West Ham United’s Decision to Sell Sebastian Haller in 2021 May Have Been a Mistake
In the summer of 2021, West Ham United made the decision to sell striker Sebastian Haller to Ajax for £20m. At the time, the move seemed like a good one for the club, as Haller had struggled to find his footing in the Premier League, scoring just 14 goals in 54 appearances. However, since his departure from the London Stadium, Haller has gone on to rediscover his goalscoring form, outscoring current West Ham star Jarrod Bowen in the process.
Haller’s time at West Ham was marked by inconsistency and a lack of goals. Despite his impressive physical presence and technical ability, the Ivorian striker struggled to adapt to the Premier League, leading to his eventual departure from the club. However, since joining Ajax, Haller has found a new lease on life, scoring 59 goals in all competitions since leaving West Ham.
In contrast, Bowen has scored 58 goals for West Ham since January 2021, a respectable tally but one that is still one goal shy of Haller’s total. This raises questions about the decision to sell Haller, who was just 27 years old at the time of his departure. Was it a mistake to let him go, or was it a necessary move to make way for other players?
Haller’s goalscoring record since leaving West Ham is impressive, and it’s hard not to wonder what could have been if he had stayed at the club. Perhaps under the guidance of new boss Julen Lopetegui, Haller could have flourished and become the striker that West Ham needed. Instead, the club opted to bring in Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund, a move that has yet to pay off.
The decision to sell Haller may have been premature, and it’s possible that West Ham could come to regret it. The club is still searching for a reliable goalscorer, and Haller’s form since leaving the club suggests that he could have been the answer. Only time will tell if West Ham made a mistake in letting Haller go, but one thing is certain – the Ivorian striker has proven himself to be a talented player who is capable of scoring goals at the highest level.