Felipe Anderson has held talks with SS Lazio over a potential transfer back to the Italian side in a bid to quit West Ham United this summer, according to Football Insider.
Anderson’s future at West Ham has been thrust into doubt following the climax of the 2019/20 Premier League season, with Irons boss David Moyes keen to sell the Brazilian in order to raise much-needed funds after staving off the threat of relegation.
The Hammers are adamant that the east London outfit will recoup as much as possible of the fee spent to sign Anderson two years ago, having paid Lazio an initial £36million rising to £42m.
Lazio have now emerged as a potential side willing to pay out to sign Anderson this summer, with it claimed the Stadio Olimpico natives have held preliminary discussions with the two-time international and his representatives.
Anderson struggled massively during the recently concluded Premier League campaign despite setting the English top-flight alight during his maiden term in the country, with the 27-year-old only able to score once and provide four assists over 25 appearances.
He had flourished after finding his feet during the 2018/19 season with Anderson firing home nine times and penning four assists over 36 Premier League outings, of which the Brazilian started each fixture and saw out the full 90 minutes on 27 occasions.
Can West Ham recoup the £42m paid for Anderson?
Yes
No
Anderson’s five-year spell with Lazio before joining West Ham saw the forward score 34 times and create 39 goals in 177 appearances across all competitions, with his best campaign in front of the net coming in 2014/15 when he struck home 11 and created 10.
Whether Lazio are able to now come in and pay what the Irons are demanding and reunite with Anderson remains to be seen, but it certainly seems like the 27-year-old’s time in claret and blue is nearing its swift end.
West Ham cashing in this summer would come after former Irons ace Frank McAvennie urged Moyes to part with Anderson amid reports SSC Napoli were also eying the forward.
