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Report: David Moyes stopped West Ham signing two-time Premier League winner

Photo by John Walton - Pool/Getty Images
Photo by John Walton - Pool/Getty Images
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David Moyes never wanted West Ham United to sign Diego Costa with the former Atletico Madrid striker missing out on a potential return to London and the Premier League, as reported by The Athletic. 

When it comes to signing experienced, big-name players, the Hammers have been burned more often than Mr Clumsy tending a barbecue.

Patrice Evra, Alvaro Arbeloa, Nene and more all struggled to make an impact in claret and blue and, in truth, it’s hard to imagine the famously firebrand Costa rediscovering his early Chelsea form at the London Stadium. 

After all, the 32-year-old Spain international is no longer the ravenous, blood-thirsty tiger of yesteryear. Costa scored just 19 goals in 81 games during his second spell at Atletico Madrid and was released, to little fanfare, midway through the 2020/21 season. 

They do say ‘never go back’.

Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England. (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Costa was, at least for a brief spell, linked with an eye-catching return to England.

According to The Athletic, however, Moyes made it clear there was no space at West Ham for the La Liga and two-time Premier League champion. 

The Scot apparently felt Costa, a highly strung and divisive presence, was the wrong fit for his close-knit band of brothers.

And it’s hard to imagine Moyes, a fine judge of character who has brought a real togetherness to the West Ham dressing room, has got this one wrong. 

Costa is still a free agent, despite being linked with a move to Brazil and Portuguese powerhouses Benfica.

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Photo by John Walton – Pool/Getty Images