Expert issues ‘surprising’ West Ham verdict as ‘massive’ new Maxwel Cornet details emerge
Noel Whelan has hailed West Ham for their “massively impressive” summer business after they completed the signing of Maxwel Cornet on a “long-term” deal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted David Moyes will be thrilled to have transformed his attack with two top-class additions this summer.
West Ham confirmed the signing of Cornet on Friday (5 August), with the Ivory Coast international signing a five-year deal with the option for a sixth at the London Stadium.
Sky Sports updated on Saturday (6 August), confirming the Irons paid Burnley £17.5million for the former Lyon man – meeting his release clause at Turf Moor following the Clarets’ relegation.
Cornet can play up front, on the wing, and at left-back – and scored nine goals in 26 Premier League outings last season.
West Ham have already bolstered their attack this summer with the reported £35.5million signing of Italy international Gianluca Scamacca.
Whelan insisted he was surprised to see the Irons face no real competition to bring Cornet to the London Stadium.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s great business, great price, good player.
“It makes perfect sense, and David Moyes will be so happy to have brought these two players in for that price.
“They’ve got much better options across that front line now.
“It’s going to be so important this season with five substitutes as well, so that quality and strength will be vital.
“I’m surprised that other sides didn’t take the gamble on Cornet – but it’s massively impressive business for West Ham to get him in and get him signed to a long-term deal.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire salutes West Ham as “very lucrative” new deal announced.