Following on from Claret and Hugh’s earlier round up, it appears that negotiations this weekend are moving at a pace. With the window closing at 11pm tomorrow night it could be that there are some anxious nail biting moments inside London Stadium over one particular transfer which has come on leaps and bounds this weekend.
Yesterday’s article detailed the Hammers interest in Eli Junior Kroupi, the 18 year old sensation who has been scoring goals galore in the French ligue 2. Nine goals and two assists in 17 games has brought him to prominence and now West Ham have set a detailed purchase proposition down ahead of the window closing. The full details of the proposal have been published by Sky today.
According to skysports, :”It’s understood West Ham’s proposal includes an initial fee of £15m plus £10m if he reaches a certain number of games and another £10m if he scores a certain amount of goals.”
Which is a big commitment from West Ham for an 18 year old who is untried at the highest level and a huge step up from the negotiations over Daniel Cummings – likely to cost half a million pounds!
Thirty five million pounds in total (€40m) will be a huge chunk of cash for second tier Lorient but with just £15 million up front the deal significantly aids West Ham’s PSR and cash flow issues this January.
As far as his potential, breakingthelines.com last year told of an exciting prospect:
“Predominantly an attacking midfielder, this season has seen him play in a variety of positions, including attacking midfield, left wing, and as a central striker. Players like Eli Junior are highly desired in the modern game, especially as modern systems look for certain traits in their advanced midfielders – the ability to operate in the half-space, the ability to provide elite build-up play, a significant off-ball presence, and efficient ball-striking and shot conversion rate. Kroupi is slightly raw, but he has every trait listed in bundles. If he wants to move away from being an attacking midfielder and more so into a striker role, his skillset could easily translate.”
One to watch and in principle, more exciting than the Evan Ferguson deal with some far reaching consequences for seasons to come if the teenager fulfils half the expectation which is placed upon him.
