Six months after failing to complete a deal, The Hammers are reported to be hot on the Colombian’s tail once again.
When you’re the undisputed star man, the creative king of a club appearing so blunt in attack in recent weeks, you have to be willing to accept your fair share of flak. Yet, the criticism and scorn levelled at Dimitri Payet in the early months of this season have bordered on the hysterical.
Yes, the flamboyant Frenchman’s goals and assists tallies have dropped since the start of the season, even if Kevin De Bruyne is the only Premier League player to contribute more assists in 2016/17. But, according to Squawka, no player in the top flight can beat Payet for key passes with his tally of 61 dwarfing those of Mesut Ozil, Eden Hazard, David Silva and co.
Quite simply, Payet is creating chances, he’s fulfilling his end of the bargain. The fact that Simone Zaza, Ashley Fletcher and Jonathan Calleri have failed to score a single Premier League goal between them suggests the Frenchman is not the issue.
Therefore, news that West Ham are renewing their interest in AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca should set Payet’s pulse racing. The Mirror claim that The Hammers had an offer of £26 million turned down by the Colombian international in the summer but, after a high-profile falling out with manager Vincenzo Montella, Bacca may be ready to re-evaluate his options.
Though a run of seven straight goalless games in Serie A will set off a few alarm bells, West Ham have had their fill of misfiring strikers for one season, Bacca’s conversion rate puts those of Zaza and co to shame.
According to Goal, Bacca scored 21 goals from just 40 on target shots last season, boasting a staggering conversion rate of 30 per cent from his efforts, almost double Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally.
If any fans are wondering why their club are persisting in their pursuit of a player who turned them down this summer, the stats should tell you all you need to know. Suddenly, Payet may find his assist tally rising rather quickly.
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