Sheth reported via his X account on 31 January: “Time running out for West Ham to bring in players with potential moves for Ibrahim Osman & Jota proving problematic.”
If West Ham do intend on bringing in fresh legs to bolster their attack this month, they had better get a move on. Deals for Jota and Osman were exciting at first, but complications involving both incomings have put delays on what they hoped could be done quickly.
The complications of Jota’s deal are thought to be surrounding wage and tax issues, with his high wage bill in Saudi Arabia untaxed, but a move to the UK would mean that money falls under our tax laws. It is the same issue Jordan Henderson faced when linked with moves back to England.
Osman, meanwhile, seems to have become unnecessarily complicated. While the Hammers haven’t been able to agree to a fee, there has also been speculation about the legitimacy of his agent and representation throwing a spanner in the works.
Such complicated deals can often take plenty of time to iron out – time West Ham don’t have – so other targets may need to be assessed for Moyes to strengthen in forward areas in the next two days.
