We have been forced to say goodbye to some of our top talents down the years, but one former West Ham star could be available for a shock return to East London this summer.
Dimitri Payet is the player in question, and some of the London Stadium faithful have been discussing a move for the Frenchman, after Hammers Polls shared that his future at the Orange Velodrome is far from guaranteed after Olympique de Marseille finished the Ligue 1 season in fifth place.
The £118,262-a-week attacking midfielder was also stripped of the captain’s armband by now-former boss Rudi Garcia, who stepped down from the helm earlier this month and has been replaced by ex-Chelsea head coach Andre Villas-Boas.
Le10 Sport have also raised doubts over Payet’s future at Marseille, whom he left us for in 2017.
The French outlet suggest Marseille will need to part ways with some of their more-lucrative options in Morgan Sanson and Florian Thauvin, while culling the wage bill of their high-earners, such as Payet and Adil Rami.
Payet had been the subject of interest from sides in China back in the winter, and Le10 Sport feel it would be a realistic expectation that the same interest re-emerges this summer.
They also cite information shared by France Football earlier this week, who claimed the 32-year-old will likely have offers on the table from sides in Saudi Arabia if Marseille look to move him on. However, it would be unlikely that the 38-cap France international would accept a move as his family enjoy life in Marseille.
Moreover, Payet himself told reporters at a press conference ahead of the final game of the French league season that he would prefer to stay at the Orange Velodrome next season, where his contract runs until the summer of 2021.
“We were made aware [of the change in manager] before this speech in front of the media,” he said, as quoted by L’Equipe. “We are all very disappointed and affected by this decision.
“It’s easier to change a coach than 27 or 28 players. We all share responsibility for what has just happened. I know what I will do next year. I will be there and I hope to have a better season.”
Despite Payet’s own claims and the interest from the Middle and Far East, here’s how some West Ham supporters reacted when Hammers Polls asked if the Irons should look into re-signing the £18million-rated midfielder on loan for a season…
Nope. He’s already peaked and is way past his best now. Hence why they want rid of him https://t.co/RAzI1AiMvJ
— West Ham News (@whufc_news) May 31, 2019
Wow, people have short memories! Sends a really poor message if you were to displace someone with an attitude & workrate like Snodgrass & replace them with someone who refused to play for the club
— Woody (@HammersFan02380) May 31, 2019
That ship sailed
— Peter Martin ⚒ (@westham_boy1958) May 31, 2019
Everyone saying yes, legit still look at their ex’s Facebook profile wishing things were different. Bore off.
— IronsmanJP (@IronsManJP) May 31, 2019
Not now, I don’t think he’d produce like he did for us a few years ago- plus why would we want someone back who desperately wanted to leave?! Yeah he was brilliant for us and I loved him when he was there but wouldn’t want him back now
— Rigger (@LiamHammer7) May 31, 2019
Him and Lanzini back together along with Anderson #ifcarlsbergmademidfield3’s
— Scott (@puffa_the_gen) May 31, 2019
Of course our best free kick!
— Dunc9 (@WHU99) May 31, 2019
Anyone who says no is deluded
— ollie⚒️ (@HewsonOllie) May 31, 2019
No he isn’t the same player he was pointless signing need to look to the future not the past!
— Flsh_Frnk⚡ (@flashfrankieboy) May 31, 2019
Hes past it. We had him at his peak.
— Blake (@heavy_sunshine) May 31, 2019
Yes yes and an even bigger yes!
— ⚒⚒TonyCOYI⚒⚒ (@CoyiTony) May 31, 2019