West Ham reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Aaron Ramsey during the January Transfer Window, according to Joe.co.uk.
Throughout the transfer window, West Ham were linked with the likes of Duje Caleta-Car, Kalvin Phillips and Jesse Lingard. And Aaron Ramsey is the latest name to have been linked with a move to the London Stadium.
The Welshman was reportedly keen on a return to the Premier League to pick up regular playing time ahead of Wales’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
He was offered to Brentford, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Wolves as well as a return to Arsenal, however, they all turned down the opportunity. He went on to join Rangers on a six-month loan. Sadly, he will not be ready to make his debut in Wednesday’s Old Firm derby against Celtic.
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Prior to his move to the Serie A giants in 2019, he was at Arsenal for more than ten years. During his time at the Gunners, he made 262 appearances and scored 40 goals. Ramsey has also won the FA Cup three times, including in 2014 when he scored a 109th-minute winner against Hull.
The 31-year-old has struggled for regular game time since signing for Juventus, making just 49 appearances. He has not featured since October due to recurring injury problems as well as catching Coronavirus.
What he would have offered the Hammers
David Moyes’ side failed to make a single signing in the January transfer window, despite their best efforts. This left many fans angry, with many taking to Twitter to express their views at the lack of ambition as the club mount a serious top-four challenge.
It is unknown why West Ham rejected the opportunity to sign Ramsey. His experience fighting for Champions League football in the Premier League would have been key.
The Welshman has amassed more than 50 European appearances, more than any current West Ham player. Although Moyes’ preference for signing players is those eager to play at the highest level, there is no doubt that European experience would have been beneficial.
West Ham breezed through the group stage of the Europa League. However, big game players such as Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are waiting in the wings to join the competition in the knockout stages. These are the types of teams Ramsey has a plethora of experience playing against.
The Hammers also have a paper-thin squad as it is. Angelo Ogbonna is out with a season-ending injury, while his defensive partner Kurt Zouma is only just coming back from a spell on the sideline. Michail Antonio has also struggled for form in recent weeks and is the club’s only recognised striker.
Things may look good for the Hammers as it stands. Fifth in the league, still in the FA Cup and preparing for their first-ever Europa League knockout game. However, the games will start to come thick and fast once the Premier League winter break comes to an end. And the West Ham hierarchy may soon regret that lack of investment in the January transfer window.
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