The Chronicle have revealed that in 2016, West Ham United’s summer signing Albian Ajeti had trials at Premier League rivals Newcastle United, and for one reason or another, it has resurfaced.
It was probably known that Javier Hernandez would leave the club after deadline day and Ajeti joined the Irons from Swiss side Basel for £8million on a contract worth £30,000.
After offloading Marko Arnautovic, Lucas Perez, Andy Carroll and Jordan Hugill, another striker to support record signing Sebastian Haller was essential, but should the news of Ajeti failing to impress during trials with Newcastle unsettle fans?
The signing could potentially have been a panic buy, therefore leaving Manuel Pellegrini short in the forward department yet again.
Read West Ham’s verdict
It does not matter that Ajeti had unsuccesful trials, he was younger then and had very little experience.
Ajeti doesn’t feel like a panic buy on our end, this is striker that scored 21 goals and registered 11 assists last season for Basel which is impressive for a, then, 21 year old in a team that finished 2nd in the top division.
Compare this to Newcastle’s new record signing Joelinton. The Brazilian scored just 11 goals for Hoffenheim last season, yet cost the Magpies £40million.
Whilst Pellegrini has welcomed a statistically better striker for around £32 million cheaper to warm a seat on the bench.
It seems conclusively irrelevant to take Ajeti’s past efforts into consideration, because he looks to be a fantastic second option and his fans will be looking forward to him getting some game time.
