West Ham United could regret backing out of the race to sign Paul Onuachu in the summer transfer window, as Atletico Madrid now want the KRC Genk striker, according to Marca.
Onuachu has enjoyed a sensational start to the season with his Belgian side, with 11 goals in 14 games. Only Royal Antwerp’s Michael Frey has outscored the Nigerian in the Jupiler Pro League, too, with 12 to Onuachu’s nine.
Atletico admire what Onuachu has shown so far this term, along with scoring 35 times in 41 appearances last season. That’s why their Sporting Director Andrea Berta has approached Genk to sound out the 27-year-old’s availability for a potential transfer.
Atletico Madrid are weighing up a move for Onuachu in either the January transfer window or wait until next summer. They are edging more and more towards a mid-season deal, as Genk’s current €20m (£17m) valuation is not insurmountable.
The Cegeka Arena hierarchy’s price had proven an issue for David Moyes this summer as he targeted new strikers. Voetbal Belgie reported West Ham offered Genk €20m for Onuachu, but the Blauw-Wit asked for €26m (£22m) at the time.
West Ham refused to up their bid for Onuachu, but remain interested in a transfer for the Genk star. Sport/Foot claim the Irons plan to hold new talks with the Belgian outfit over a possible January move. Now, however, they could face competition from Atletico Madrid.
The Colchoneros are ready to back Onuachu offering Diego Simeone something different to Luis Suarez having scouted him several times. Atletico noted his strong physique and lethal hit rate, while also not posing a problem by occupying an extra-community position.
Will West Ham live to regret backing out of transfer for Genk star Onuachu?
West Ham will feel Genk vindicated them backing out of a transfer for Onuachu with the Blauw-Wit lowering their valuation. But while the 27-year-old is now supposedly available for what the Hammers were willing to pay, they face added competition.
Atletico can also offer Onuachu games in the Champions League, while defending their La Liga title. The striker, who signed a new contract at the Cegeka Arena last month, may also question moving to east London. He admitted being frustrated after the summer window at failing to leave Genk, having waited for a transfer to materialise amid the Irons’ interest.
“I’m not going to lie about it. I had expected to train at Genk for a few more weeks after the holidays and then leave for a new club,” he said, via Voetbal Krant. “I was waiting, waiting and waiting. In the end, nothing came. I can do nothing more to secure a transfer. The football world is not always fair.”
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