Emery and Jhon Duran send West Ham conflicting messages
It was inevitable as death and taxes that Jhon Duran would score the winner for Aston Villa against West Ham but where does his future lie?
As soon as Aston Villa boss Unai Emery brought Jhon Duran on for Ollie Watkins against West Ham, the outcome was inevitable.
As soon as Aston Villa boss Unai Emery brought Jhon Duran on for Ollie Watkins against West Ham, the outcome was inevitable.
The opening game of the season was level at 1-1 between the Hammers and Champions League Villa.
More terrible defending from West Ham – a theme of the last year which has prompted new boss Julen Lopetegui make eight signings to rip up half the side – gifted Aston Villa a 1-0 lead with less than four minutes on the clock.
Lucas Paqueta equalised from the spot after a foul by Matty Cash on Tomas Soucek.
And there was little to choose between West Ham and Aston Villa for much of the rest of the clash.
Both sides have brought in a raft of new signings – almost 20 between them.
But there may yet be one more deal in the offing involving both.
West Ham continue to be heavily linked with Aston Villa’s Duran.
West Ham continue to be linked with Villa star
When the 20-year-old Colombian came on for Watkins in the second half, West Ham fans of a certain vintage knew what was going to happen next.
And the Hammers target duly obliged – scoring a well taken winner in the 79th minute.
Duran caused problems the moment he came on and looks a real pacy presence. By contrast, West Ham’s striker options beyond inevitable first choice new signing Niclas Fullkrug are Michail Antonio and Danny Ings.
It’s easy to see why Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten was to try and sign him.
Earlier this week a journalist revealed to Hammers News that West Ham still desperately want Duran this window.
But, ironically, ex Aston Villa striker Ings is blocking their attempts by refusing to leave West Ham.
A few weeks ago Duran was intimating he wanted a move to the east London by doing the crossed Hammers in a live video on social media.
After his winner he was doing another gesture about his future.
But Emery and Duran sent West Ham conflicting messages over deal hopes for the Aston Villa matchwinner.
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and A…
Emery and Duran send West Ham conflicting messages over deal
Villa fans were livid with Duran when he did the crossed Hammers gesture.
But it is the fickle nature of football that they found themselves in ecstasy at his winner against the very club may still yet join.
Duran headed straight for the Aston Villa fans after his goal, this time with a very different gesture.
The striker held his hands out in apology to the celebrating fans. He then pointed to the ground and his Villa shirt to intimate ‘I’m staying’.
After the game, though, Emery was asked directly whether Duran would be staying at Villa.
And he very much left the door open for West Ham over a deal in the last two weeks of the window.
‘I don’t know if he’ll stay’
The Aston Villa boss admitted there will be more rumours about Duran’s move to West Ham after his winner and he offered no guarantees he will stay.
“There will be more rumours about him after his goal, but I believe in him,” Emery said on Sky Sports.
“I gave him 30 minutes today and he’s very important to us.
“I don’t know (if he will stay).”
West Ham are desperately trying to offload two or three players as they seek further additions.
If they are able to do that, then a loan with obligation closer to Villa’s asking price may well be launched for Duran before August 30th.
After his cameo at the London Stadium, it is clear he would be a major upgrade on Antonio and Ings.
And very much West Ham’s striker for the future alongside veteran Fullkrug.
West Ham and Villa fans won’t have to wait too long to find out where Duran’s future lies.
Leave a Reply