“I told West Ham to Sign Him…” Joe Cole Reveals How West Ham MISSED OUT on Signing World-class Defender After His Recommendation BUT West Ham Fans Would be Glad the Deal Didn’t Happen Because…..

The One That Got Away: Joe Cole Reveals How He Told West Ham to Sign £80m Harry Maguire

West Ham United have experienced their fair share of transfer near misses over the years. From narrowly missing out on signing Darren Fletcher during the Sam Allardyce era to being offered Raheem Sterling over the summer, the Hammers have often found themselves on the wrong end of transfer dealings. However, few stories are as intriguing as the one shared by Joe Cole, who revealed that he directly told West Ham’s co-owner, David Sullivan, to sign Harry Maguire when the defender was still plying his trade at Hull City.

In an interview on The Dressing Room, Cole shared the fascinating story of how he watched Hull City face West Ham in the Director’s Box at the stadium and was immediately impressed by Maguire’s performance. Cole’s admiration for the defender was so great that he took it upon himself to approach Sullivan and recommend that the club sign Maguire.

“I remember sitting with David Sullivan actually, when Harry Maguire was at Hull before Leicester and he was coming out with the ball and driving forwards,” Cole recalled. “I remember saying ‘you should sign him.’ And he was like ‘I’m not sure.’ He went to Leicester and then Manchester United.”

As fate would have it, West Ham ultimately failed to sign Maguire, who would go on to join Leicester City before making a record-breaking £80m move to Manchester United. The defender’s subsequent success has been a testament to Cole’s keen eye for talent, and it is interesting to ponder what might have been if West Ham had heeded the former midfielder’s advice.

In hindsight, Sullivan’s decision not to sign Maguire appears to be a costly mistake. The defender’s value has skyrocketed since his days at Hull City, and West Ham’s failure to secure his signature has denied the club a significant profit. Furthermore, the Hammers’ defensive woes have persisted, and the team’s inability to strengthen their backline has been a major contributing factor to their inconsistent performances.

Ironically, West Ham did attempt to sign Maguire last summer, but their bid was ultimately unsuccessful. The defender has since extended his contract with Manchester United, and it appears that he will remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

As for West Ham, the club’s transfer policy continues to be a subject of debate among fans and pundits alike. The Hammers’ recruitment team, led by Mark Noble and Tim Steidten, faces a daunting task in identifying and securing top talent, but perhaps they could benefit from seeking the advice of someone with Cole’s expertise.

The former midfielder’s ability to spot talent is undeniable, and his recommendation to sign Maguire all those years ago serves as a testament to his keen eye for potential. As West Ham continues to navigate the complexities of the transfer market, they would do well to tap into Cole’s knowledge and experience.

In conclusion, Joe Cole’s story serves as a fascinating reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of the transfer market. West Ham’s failure to sign Harry Maguire is a cautionary tale of the importance of acting swiftly and decisively in pursuit of top talent. As the Hammers continue to strive for success, they would do well to learn from the lessons of the past and seek the advice of those with a deep understanding of the game.