‘That’s all it was’: West Ham academy coach explains why Grady Diangana was sold

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West Ham United academy coach and former striker Carlton Cole spoke to TalkSport about the club’s decision to sell Grady Diangana.

The young attacker was sold to West Bromwich Albion last week for a fee in the region of £18 million (BBC). That angered the vast majority of Irons fans who have been really impressed with Diangana’s performances recently.

West Brom have certainly got a good deal, but it was a shock to see the Hammers let him leave, especially at a time when their own attackers have struggled in front of goal.

Cole was quizzed about the club’s decision to sell one of their most exciting prospects, and the former striker claimed that it was something that had to be done for the greater good of the club.

‘It was a business decision’

He said: “I would have kept him myself, but there are money situations that can’t be neglected and areas we need to strengthen, like the defensive line. Grady wasn’t with us last year, he did really well on loan and obviously we want to keep our young prospects, but I don’t think anyone else was in to buy any of our other forwards, because they didn’t really have a good season.

“Grady was the only one they had an offer for. You want to keep your best players and most talented boys but the club needs money to strengthen in different positions, and he’s the only one other clubs had an interest in.

“He’s still an untapped talent, he’s not proven in the Premier League so it’s a gamble West Ham were willing to take. That’s all it was, it was a business deal rather than a sentimental one.”

West Ham came very close to relegation last season. Their misfiring attack was one of the biggest reasons why they struggled; an area where Diangana could have potentially been very useful this term.

With the youngster now gone, the spotlight is on David Moyes and West Ham’s owners to put that money to good use. If the Hammers can get a top-quality centre-half, fans will be appeased, but if they fail to make any big signings, Diangana’s sale will be mentioned after every single defeat.