West Ham were one of the numerous clubs to show an interest in French attacking midfielder Florian Thauvin last summer.
The 29-year-old ultimately left Marseille as a free agent to join Mexican Liga MX side Tigres UANL.
However, agent Ludovic Delechat has confirmed that there was a host of European interest in the French World Cup winner.
Delechat has told TuttoMercatoWeb, as cited by Sport Witness on Twitter that the Hammers were amongst the most active in the pursuit.
Florian Thauvin | “Man City, West Ham, Crystal Palace” – Intermediary reveals PL trio came forward for signinghttps://t.co/169C0W1KL0 #mcfc #cpfc #whufc #coyi
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) February 22, 2022
There were talks with Pablo Longoria, the president, then the interest of big clubs like Milan, Atalanta, Rome, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Lyon towards the end.
Since joining Tigres, Thauvin – once described as ‘very important’ by Jorge Sampaoli – has scored twice and provided two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Valued at £12.6million and under contract in Mexico until 2026 (Transfermarkt), any hopes West Ham had of signing the Frenchman would now seem forlorn.
Undoubtedly a step down from the opportunity to play in the Premier League, it’s surprising Thauvin chose that particular next career step.
Predominantly a right-winger, perhaps it’s best that the signing never materialised as we may never have seen Jarrod Bowen shine so brightly.
