The Arsenal transfer target has previously been wanted by Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool but unfortunately he suffers from a congenital heart defect. Should teams do what Wigan Athletic and West Ham United have done and take a chance on a player who comes with obvious baggage?
West Ham United have been commended for picking up one of the bargains of the season in midfield talisman Mohamed Diame who arrived on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic this summer. He has since gone on to be one of the season’s breakout performers in an over-achieving West Ham side with his catalytic performance against Chelsea in the 3-1 win at Upton Park the real highlight.
With news beginning to pour out of West Ham circles that the Senegalese midfielder has a release clause in his contract, believed to be in the region of £4million, even Sam Allardyce has begun condemning himself to the fact he may lose Diame sooner than first thought.
His hamstring injury suffered against Liverpool now seems to be less severe than originally thought – He will only miss 5-6 weeks, so the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who have been linked with an interest, may just start snooping around in the January window.
It is an amazing turnaround for a player who was making more headlines at the end of last season for missing gaping opportunities in front of goal to now; as he is pursued by two teams playing in Europe.
Yet the promise and talent have always been there and were it not for an unfortunate set of personal circumstances the dynamic midfield man could have been playing for Barcelona. Before leaving Rayo Vallecano for the DW Stadium he had interest from Real Madrid but Barcelona had even agreed personal terms and a fee for his signature. Unfortunately something got in the way and Wigan stepped in as a result, as explained by Chairman Dave Whelan in June:
‘’He unfortunately has the problem with his heart – and that is a serious problem. You have to keep that heart machine within 50 yards of him all the time. We picked him up when Barcelona had refused him because of his heart and we took the chance and brought him over…’’
It is unfortunate but it appears that Momo suffers with a form of congenital heart defect and many top clubs have not wanted to take a risk on the player in the past. The Daily Mail reported that Manchester United were also keen this summer but pulled out when finding out that Wigan medical staff always carried a prepared defibrillator, the same device that helped save the life of Fabrice Muamba earlier in the year, as a precaution.
It is a shame for Momo; who is clearly very talented that something so out of his control seems to be holding his career back. In another world his talent would have seen him potentially playing in the Champions League but right now nobody seems willing to take a risk on a player who needs such constant care and attention.
West Ham saw past that and Hammers fans will hope he repays them for that show of faith by staying at Upton Park for the foreseeable future.
Do you think someone should take a punt on Diame despite his health problems?
image: © mariosp
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