West Ham United fans were annoyed when the club sold Grady Diangana over the summer, but there’s another youngster grabbing headlines.
The Hammers controversially sold Diangana to West Bromwich Albion following a successful loan spell, leaving fans outraged – though he has been a little inconsistent in the top flight so far this term.
In the summer of 2019, West Ham decided to let another young player go, as striker Toni Martinez was released at the end of his contract, three years after arriving from Valencia.
The striker made just three appearances for the Hammers, and did little to convince the Hammers after loan spells at Oxford United, Real Valladolid, Rayo Majadahonda and CD Lugo.
However, he earned a move to Portugal with Famalicao, and 14 goals there last season saw him earn a big switch to Portuguese giants Porto this past summer.
Martinez has yet to score in three league games, but opened his Porto account in style on Saturday afternoon in the Taca de Portugal.
Porto beat lowly G.D. Fabril 2-0, with Martinez opening the scoring – and what a goal it was, as he produced an acrobatic bicycle kick to set Porto on their way to victory.
Of course, the level of competition here isn’t anywhere close to the Premier League, but Martinez’s goalscoring exploits last season and his goal on Saturday show he has talent.
Given that West Ham are short of striking options, some may be wondering whether he was let go too early, especially for free – and the Spaniard will be hoping to kick on and embarrass the Hammers.
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