West Ham United have endured a catalogue of failed signings over the last decade or so, with the GSB era having been littered with a whole host of questionable additions who subsequently went on to underwhelm in east London.
The recruitment in the forward ranks has been particularly head-scratching, with one striker after another having struggled to make the grade for the Hammers, with the centre-forward berth developing into something of a poisoned chalice in recent times.
One such dismal capture was that of Swiss international Albian Ajeti, with the 6 foot marksman having endured a wholly forgettable stint at the London Stadium, spending just a solitary season at the club before quickly being moved on.
Having previously been in prolific form for FC Basel – where he netted 43 goals and provided 21 assists in just 96 games – the 11-cap gem looked to be a potentially astute acquisition for then-boss Manuel Pellegrini, with the Irons forking out £8m for his signature in the summer of 2019.
As it proved, that was a largely wasted investment as the one-time Augsburg man went on to make just 12 appearances in all competitions over the next 12 months, failing to score in his 399 minutes of competitive action.
Was Ajeti handed a fair chance at West Ham?
Not for me!
Yes, he had his chance
The only saving grace following that frankly anonymous spell in a claret and blue jersey was the fact that the club were able to spare their blushes somewhat by recouping a £5m transfer upon his departure to Celtic, albeit while still taking a minor loss on the initial price tag.
That decision to allow a swift departure has since been vindicated with the £2.25m-rated man having struggled to secure a regular role at Parkhead, scoring just nine goals in 48 games across all fronts since his arrival in August 2020.
Last season proved particularly underwhelming as the 25-year-old scored just three times in 17 outings under Ange Postecoglou, with his at times “lazy” approach – as described by pundit Frank McAvennie – doing him little favours under the current Hoops boss.
Unsurprisingly, the Scottish champions were keen to move him on this summer after a frustrating two-year spell in Glasgow, with the Old Firm side finally getting their wish as he joined Sturm Graz on loan late in the window.
The Hammers – as well as the Hoops – must no doubt be questioning their decision to ever sign Ajeti in the first place, with his addition having proven something of a howler as far they are concerned.
