Former England striker Darren Bent has issued a bold West Ham transfer claim which comes in the wake of club record signing Sébastien Haller completing a switch to Dutch giants Ajax.
The former Tottenham striker has claimed that the West Ham board have ‘something up their sleeve’ in this transfer window and would not have sanctioned a sale for Haller unless another deal for a replacement was in the works.
Speaking to Football Insider, Bent feels that the 26-year-old’s departure 18 months after he arrived at the London Stadium had some forward planning behind it, claiming he has heard whispers that a new arrival is imminent.
The Hammers replaced Haller after a mediocre spell in east London. The £45m signing from Eintracht Frankfurt scored just 15 goals in 54 appearances.
West Ham have cut their losses having accepted a €25m (£22.57m) bid from Ajax and Bent had his say on where this leaves Moyes’ squad, telling Football Insider:
It surprised me a little bit they’re letting [Haller] go in this climate. I’ve heard rumours that they’ve got someone else that they’re going to bring in.
I would have waited until the summer but obviously David Moyes has someone in line, I’m guessing Haller is desperate to go, it hasn’t quite worked out for him.
They must have something up their sleeve to be allowing this to happen.
Read West Ham Verdict
The losses that selling Haller to Ajax would represent, which includes add-ons, are significant. From a financial standpoint, it represents poor scouting and planning from some at the club, but patience was understandably wearing thin.
All eyes will be on Haller’s replacement, who will hopefully prove to be a more fruitful investment.
