West Ham United’s January transfer plan appears to be in ruins already after Mohamed Bayo extended his stay at Ligue 1 newcomers Clermont Foot until 2024, as reported by the club’s official website.
Now, signing a new contract doesn’t automatically mean a player is destined to stay at his club forever and a day.
Perhaps Clermont just wanted to ensure that, when Bayo does leave, he’ll depart for a substantial transfer fee.
Perhaps Bayo signed an extension in the understanding that, should an acceptable offer arrive, no-one at Stade Gabriel Montpied would stand in his way.
Unfortunately for West Ham, however, the Guinea international doesn’t sound like a man licking his lips at the prospect of a new start in a new league.
Last week, The Sun reported David Moyes’ Hammers were preparing a January bid for the £10 million-rated poacher.
But, with the ink still drying on his new long-term deal, it seems the Hammers are barking up the wrong tree.
West Ham target Mohamed Bayo seems more than happy at Clermont
“Clermont is my club. I am very proud to extend my adventure here,” says Bayo, who has scored five goals in eight top-flight games after hitting the net 22 times last season.
“Seeing Clermont Foot in Ligue 1 is incredible. But it is now necessary to maintain the dream. I want to lead this mission with the whole club!
“I have known everything here, I made the decision to stay because I feel good at home! Clermont is my club but, not only that, this city is part of my life.”
West Ham were linked with a host of strikers in the summer including Sevilla benchwarmer Munir El Haddadi and the irrepressible Paul Onuachu – who they’ll face this month in their Europa League clash with KRC Genk.
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