West Ham United moved for Jordan Hugill instead of Fyodor Smolov.
West Ham’s late transfer window move for Jordan Hugill raised a few eyebrows when they signed the Preston North End striker.
That move looks even stranger in the context that there was an international quality striker who ‘wanted to sign for them’.
Smolov was claimed to be available for £15 million – but West Ham did not pull the trigger on a deal.
That looks like a potential mistake, and not only because cheaper option Hugill has failed to make an impact so far.
Smolov scored for Russia last night against France, netting past Hugo Lloris.
It was the 28-year-old striker’s 12th international goal, and he is likely to be their main dangerman at World Cup 2018.
For his club Smolov has been in fine form this season too, scoring 12 goals in 16 games, helping his side sit fourth in the Russian Premier League.
A goal against quality opposition like France demonstrated Smolov’s quality, and West Ham should be regretting not deciding to pay that little bit extra to get him on board.
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