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David Moyes reveals West Ham 'liked' Everton midfielder Amadou Onana before Goodison switch
West Ham manager David Moyes was beaten to the signing of Amadou Onana this summer by his former club Everton, the Scot has confirmed.
Moyes revealed on Friday that Frank Lampard pipped him to the signing of 21-year-old midfielder Amadou Onana this summer.
Onana signed a five-year deal at Goodison in August following his £33million move from Lille, with Lampard convincing him to snub London in favour of Merseyside.
The Belgian international has already settled in well and has nailed down a spot in Lampard’s side, much to the frustration of Moyes.
“They have not had as much money to rebuild as they have in the past,” said Moyes, as quoted by Football.London.
“They have bought in Coady and Tarkowski. Onana, who we liked, as well.”
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Pulling power
Regardless of league position, Everton as a club have and always will boast a huge stature.
Whether it be for players or managers, the club have shown in recent seasons just how much pulling power they have when it comes to attracting Europe’s biggest talents.
Onana is the latest example, with the midfielder preferring a move to Goodison than to the London Stadium despite the Hammers offering European football.
Lampard also deserves credit for convincing Onana of Everton’s project, and the promise of working with the former England midfielder is another attraction for transfer targets.
Onana’s signing was certainly a risk given the club’s poor track record in recent windows, but he’s already proving a worthwhile investment after just six games.
At the end of the season, Toffees fans will likely look back on Onana’s signing fondly – and be extra thankful that he’s starting against West Ham on the weekend rather than for them.