West Ham United know they need to get it right in the transfer market this summer after a poor year of recruitment.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
The Hammers endured a tough second season under Slaven Bilic and actually did well to finish 11th in the Premier League albeit a far cry from their heroics the season before.
Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold were full of promises to fans ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium last summer.
But a terrible season of recruitment has left fans disgruntled over what they feel are broken promises when it comes to West Ham’s dealings in the transfer market.
West Ham United owners David Gold and David Sullivan
Indeed the ability to compete with the Premier League elite as a result of the stadium move was held up as a carrot to fans dubious over the decision to leave the club’s famous Boleyn Ground home of 112 years.
Bilic has since admitted the club wasted too much time chasing unrealistic targets last summer and it cost them dear as their back-up targets slipped through their fingers in the meantime.
Experienced Manchester City fullback Pablo Zabaleta is Bilic’s first signing this summer.
The Hammers are believed to be chasing Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi again despite being snubbed by the former Marseille forward last year.
Unrealistic? Dries Mertens
And now comments from another rumoured Hammers target suggest the club has learned nothing from their recent recruitment mistakes.
Reports from Italy recently claimed Napoli rejected a £25 million bid from West Ham for Belgian international Dries Mertens, according to Italian journalist Raffaele Auriemma when speaking on Radio CRC.
Champions Chelsea were also said to be interested but now Mertens has admitted he never entertained any thoughts of leaving Naples.
“Yes there was interest (from the Premier League champions) and from other clubs also, but in my head there was never an intention to change clubs,” Mertens told Sky Sports.
“This season was really good. I am going to try and be even better next year.
“Yes there is a buyout clause. But I’m happy at Napoli and I want to stay. I really like Italy. I am good there and they treat me good.”
Are West Ham wasting time chasing the likes of Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi?
The Belgian wizard’s comments prove West Ham must start to do their homework before going after a player to save face.
Otherwise the club could put other stars off if they are seen to be consistently turned down and end up having to settle for average players again.
With no European football on offer the club may have to be more realistic in their targets, or pay over the odds to land the players that can get them there.
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