West Ham United sold Jose Fonte after just 24 Premier League appearance, but could the former Southampton man join the La Liga champions Barca?
That short-lived spell at West Ham United has done very little for Jose Fonte’s reputation in English football.
The experienced Portuguese international had established himself as one of the Premier League’s most underrated defenders during a long stint at the heart of the Southampton back line, but his limitations were brutally exposed by an £8 million move to West Ham in January 2017.
After just 24 league games for the Hammers, Fonte was sold to Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang at a £3 million loss.
But, 12 months after West Ham let him go, could Fonte be on his way to Barcelona in a remarkable and unexpected twist in the autumn of his career?
According to Mundo Deportivo, La Liga leaders Barca have made signing a new centre-back a priority in the January transfer window due to injuries to both Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen. And, the report adds, Fonte is one of a number of names on the Catalan giants’ wish list.
In fairness to the 34-year-old, he has started to rebuild his reputation since joining Lille in the summer on a free transfer, adding experience and leadership to a previously leaky back line and helping Les Dogues to third in France’s top flight.
But West Ham fans would still be stunned to see their former flop line up in a Barcelona shirt.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
