It’s not often proven goalscorers find themselves on the market, so West Ham would have to move quick to secure Bacca’s signature.
Prolific AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca has cast doubt on his future at the resurgent Serie A giants amid heavy rumours linking him with a switch to the Premier League, Calciomercato reports.
The Colombian international enjoyed a superb first season in Italy on an individual level, netting 18 goals in 38 Serie A appearances, though the rest of the team fell well below his standards, missing out on European football for the first season in a row.
Bacca had previously insisted that he had no desire to leave Milan until he had achieved his aim of returning them to their rightful place at the peak of the continental game but he now appears to have changed his tune, suggesting that the Rossoneri’s domestic performance this season will have a major factor on his future.
When asked whether he would still be donning the famous black and red a year from now, Bacca said it “Depends where the club finishes in the Serie A table”, according to Calciomercato.
West Ham were left frustrated in their attempts to bring the former Sevilla striker to the London Stadium in the summer, the 29-year-old choosing to stay in Italy despite the club accepting a £26 million bid from Slaven Bilic’s side, according to The Guardian.
At the time, Milan were desperate for funds as stalling negotiations over Silvio Berlusconi’s sale of the club left their hands tied in the transfer market.
However, the executive director of the Sino-Europe Sports group revealed to La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this month that they were due to complete their takeover sooner rather than later, meaning the seven time European cup winners should no longer be in a position where they need to sell their prized assets.
But Bacca’s claims will have added even more pressure onto the shoulders of new coach Vincenzo Montella (below) who, thus far, is doing a fine job in revitalising a side who finished 8th, 10th and 7th in the last three seasons.
According to Sky Sports, Bacca insisted that he aims to play in the Champions League sooner rather than later, suggesting that even qualifying for the Europa League would not be enough for a man who scored in the final of the competition for Sevilla in 2014/15.
However, this will also rule out West Ham, who have endured a dismal start to the season at their new home.
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