West Ham United reportedly tried and failed to beat Premier League competitors Fulham to the £30m signing of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa from Marseille.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa made the crucial mistake which set Atletico Madrid on their way to a 3-0 Europa League final victory against Marseille in March.
The Cameroonian midfielder gave possession away right on the edge of his own box and, seconds later, Antoine Griezmann slotted the ball into the back of the net. It was a horrible moment for Anguissa but, in his defence, he spent the rest of the game showing exactly why he is one of the most talented young midfielders around.
There is a reason Fulham have paid £30 million to sign the 22-year-old on transfer deadline day.
And West Ham fans should be very disappointed after they failed with an eleventh-hour move to lure Anguissa to the London Stadium, as reported by the Evening Standard.
West Ham appeared to spend all summer looking for a midfielder who could do everything and Anguissa is that man. He is an excellent passer of the ball, blessed with balletic control that belies his giant frame. Comparisons with Patrick Vieira can be lazy but this one seems right on the money.
Alongside Jean Michel Seri, Fulham now have a midfield partnership that would not look out of place in the Champions League. And, should Anguissa thrive in England, West Ham may have missed out on a player who could soon be among the Premier League’s very best.
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