West Ham United were linked with Bologna’s Simone Verdi.
According to reports by Gianluca di Marzio, Bologna forward Simone Verdi has confirmed he will be joining Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli this summer – six months after West Ham United were interested in acquiring him.
Reports in January claimed the Hammers were keen on signing the player, with TalkSport claiming the East London club were in competition with Serie A title challengers Napoli for his signature.
Ultimately the player remained at Bologna, and he went on to join a small group of exceptional players in Europe’s top five leagues to post double figures in both goals and assists for the season.
In 34 league encounters, the talented wide forward posted both 10 goals and 10 assists, demonstrating his talent and showing exactly what he can do when given the opportunity to shine.
With West Ham in desperate need of further creativity – and lowering the average age of the squad -Verdi would have been an excellent January addition.
Speaking to reporters after Italy’s 0-0 draw with Holland, Verdi appeared to confirm his impending switch to fellow Italian side Napoli, stating: “With Ancelotti, for now I had an informal chat – I have always been consistent with my choice in January – that was not a ‘no’ to the city of Napoli or Sarri.”
“This was proven by the fact that I accepted the proposal in this transfer window”.
It’s not the first time West Ham have been linked with a player only to see him move on to one of Europe’s top clubs, with Sky Sports saying they were favourites to sign Samuel Umtiti before he later joined Barcelona.
While there is no guarantee Verdi will go on to have such an impact at Napoli, the fact the Italian giants are prepared to shell out £22 million (Calciomercato) for him now suggests he is a top player.
West Ham will be hopeful that under new boss Manuel Pellegrini they can conclude deals for Europe’s rising stars, as over the past few seasons their transfer record has been, much to their fans dismay, less than impressive.
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