Written by: Neil Shaw-Smith

“Don’t go to bed. dg”

– that infamous David Gold tweet deadline day 2015 about the imminent signing of Adebayor that never happened (more like Adebay-bore). Bullet dodged, as he then only scored one more goal in the Premier League, for Crystal Palace.

Yes, we have had our fair share of appalling choices too (Roberto wouldn’t be able to even save on his car insurance). But not every signing missed is an opportunity wasted.

To resurrect some optimism as deadline day approaches (after once again having a whole window of hoping for a top target and missing out), here are some West Ham targets fans were desperate to sign, but missing out on them turned out to be a blessing in disguise:

Player year – transfer fee – League : App/Goals following season

Rondon 2019 – 16.5m – Chinese league: 11 appearances, 5 goals.

On form and Newcastle’s Player of the year May 2019, opted for semi-retirement in the Chinese league and hardly made any appearances (maybe a little harsh due to COVID-19 lockdown). Hope he’s got Netflix.

Maxi Gómez 2019 – 12m – La Liga:- 33 Appearances, 10 goals

The longest drawn out anticlimax in West Ham’s recent history. Reportedly due to pay up to around 45m for the ‘new Luis Suarez’, the saga flip-flopped more than an Australian running. Eventually chose a cheap switch to Valencia where a metatarsal fracture means that he’s not been the same player since. 

Dendonker – 2018 – 25m – EPL: 19 Appearances 2 Goals

It’s mandatory for a commentator to mention that he was born to pig farmers. Although not a striker, seen as the holding, battling, defensive midfielder we all craved. Chose Wolves instead. Although didn’t make a pig’s ear of it, would Declan Rice have had his opportunity or would Dendonker have hogged the starting role?

Ihanacho 2017 – 25m – EPL: 20 Appearances, 5 goals

THE must have youngster Bilic deemed not good enough proved seemingly correct and Nacho much in demand, reportedly now on Everton’s transfer out list for a big loss

Baytshuai  – 2016 – 33m – EPL: 20 Appearances,  5 goals

The Bat man is quite the joker. West Ham initially lodged a bid for 31.5m with Marseille, but chose Chelsea. Then had the option of joining the Hammers five or six times, surprising he didn’t consider a restraining order! The killer insult was when he chose the Eagles (Crystal Palace) and took it easy.

Eider Gudjohnsen Jan 2010 –Loan  EPL: 11 appearances 1 Goal  

January deadline day, terms all set then at the 11th hour snubbed West Ham to go to Spurs on an identical deal. Seemingly linked to West Ham with almost every transfer window since then. It’s worth noting that it didn’t get much better when Benni McCarthy and Mido joined. Even so, more recent interviews show that missing out on a winter transfer to Upton Park didn’t get Eider down.