West Ham United missed out on Real Betis striker Loren Moron in the summer and now we know why.
West Ham appointed Manuel Pellegrini in the summer and backed him with a £100 warchest to improve his squad.
The Hammers splashed the cash on Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop, Andriy Yarmolenko, Fabian Balbuena, Lukasz Fabianski, Lucas Perez, Carlos Sanchez and free transfers Ryan Fredericks and Jack Wilshere.
According to Mundo Deportivo, West Ham were ready to activate Real Betis ace Loren Moron’s £22 million release clause in the summer.
The report claimed at the time West Ham’s interest had prompted the La Liga to give Moron a new contract with a buyout clause of up to £35 million.
Well now the player himself has confirmed the Hammers were interested in acquiring his services in an interview with Estadio Deportivo.
The 24-year-old is something of a late bloomer.
Moron only made his first team debut back in February after coming through the club’s youth team and playing for Betis’ reserves.
But since then he has showed he has quality with scored nine goals 17 La Liga starts.
And now he has lifted the lid on why he rejected the Hammers.
“It is true there were several clubs who contacted me regarding their interest and we had one firm proposal from them (West Ham),” Loren told Estadio Deportivo.
“I did not want to throw away the opportunity I have here at Betis after moving through the youth system and playing for the reserve side.
“I let my agents know, I told my parents and friends and told them that my intention was to stay and continue here.
“Now I am finally reaping what I sowed a long time ago and I am enjoying my time here a lot.”
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