West Ham United won’t be signing Real Betis striker Loren this summer.
West Ham United’s links with Real Betis striker Loren were shortlived, as the La Liga club confirmed earlier today that he has signed a new contract with the club.
The Hammers may have brought in seven new faces this summer, but they are still searching for another striker to boost Manuel Pellegrini’s options ahead of the new season.
A host of strikers have been linked with moves to East London, and one new name was thrown into the race on Sunday, in Real Betis star Loren.
Mundo Deportivo reported that West Ham were bidding the €25million (£22million) release clause to sign Loren, but that he was likely to turn down a move to the Hammers in favour of a new deal with Betis.
Now, Betis have confirmed that Loren has signed a new four-year deal, keeping him in Andalusia in 2022 unless somebody pays his new release clause, allegedly between €40million and €60million – or £35million and £53million.
Loren, 24, played just 15 games for Betis last season but hit seven goals, as he became a surprise package in Quique Setien’s attack, after three years in the Betis B team.
The forward had been prolific with 43 goals in 93 games, but has now stepped up to La Liga, and looks set to play a key role for Betis this coming season as they return to Europa League action.
West Ham now have to look elsewhere, and just 24 hours after the Hammers were linked with a big bid, their hopes of signing Loren have already been dashed.
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