Montpellier won’t stop Gaetan Laborde leaving in the summer transfer window as Premier League giants West Ham United renew their interest in the speedy striker, president Laurent Nicollin has told Allez Paillade.
When the Hammers launched a bid for the 27-year-old Frenchman in January, they probably didn’t expect to still be in the market for a new centre-forward five months later (Standard).
Despite being linked with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Adam Hlozek and Youssef En-Nesyri, while holding talks with Abdallah Sima, West Ham have yet to fill a Sebastien Haller-shaped hole in David Moyes’ front line.
So, with L’Equipe reporting the Londoners are back in the race for Laborde’s signature, Nicollin’s comments will be music to the ears of many of a claret-and-blue persuasion.
Montpellier have been ‘clear’ with Laborde
“With Gaetan Laborde and his agent, we had been clear from last season. When he extended (his contract), he had already mentioned a possible departure,” says the president.
“Then, he extended (his contract), his salary had been increased and he was very happy to continue his adventure in Montpellier. He had a blast.
“I understand he wants to try something else and earn a lot more money than in Montpellier – it’s logical. He is a top guy, human and, even if he is not from our region, he totally fits the mould.
“We promised not to block him now (although) we want an amount that will correspond to us otherwise I will not sell him.”
West Ham may have to pay £20m for Laborde
Nicollin didn’t make it clear how much Montpellier want for a striker who produced a highly impressive 18 goals and nine assists in 2020/21.
With another two years remaining on his contract, West Ham may have to part with a fee in the region of £20 million, although Laborde is expected to come a lot cheaper than the likes of En-Nesyri and Sima.
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