West Ham United have seen their loan offer for centre-back Aaron Long rejected by New York Red Bulls, that is according to a report from Sky Sports.
It has been suggested that the Hammers had offered a $500,000 (£382,000) fee to take the USA international on loan until the end of the season, with a $4.5m (£3.4m) option to turn it into a permanent transfer at the end of the campaign. As per the report, Long was in talks to join the east London outfit in the summer but the move ultimately did not happen as he couldn’t gain a work permit.
The 27-year-old featured 29 times for New York Red Bulls last season, scoring two goals (Transfermarkt). Added to that, the season before his performances were so impressive that he was named as the MLS Defender of the Year for 2018 (mlssoccer.com).
Many West Ham fans aren’t too impressed by the potential transfer, however. Some see Long as someone who isn’t good enough and more suited to a Championship club, whilst others took aim at their owners for trying to sign what they perceive as cheaper options rather than forking out on quality. Here is what some had to say on Twitter…
Preparing for the championship and most of our CBs inevitable leaving
— Samuel, Roberts ⚒ (@Jedi_Hammer) January 26, 2020
Championship recruitment started.
— Daniel Bibby (@westhamdan1980) January 26, 2020
Typical owners, cheap option
— FIRST KICKS FOOTBALL ACADEMY (@myfirstkicks) January 26, 2020
Championship level player to pave the way for the sale of Issa Diop Otherwise why would we even need another CB
— Fade’n’die (@life_at56) January 27, 2020
We’re are a joke😂
— ⚒ Oscar Wartiainen ⚒ (@OscarVartiainen) January 26, 2020
Cheapskate Sullivan.Get out of our club.
— Lynne Cannell (@cannell_lynne) January 26, 2020
West Ham fans, what are your thoughts on potentially signing Aaron Long? Let us know below…
