Failed Lukaku loan deal proves doubly frustrating for West Ham
WEST Ham boss Sam Allardyce was frustrated his failed pursuit of striker Romelu Lukaku came back to haunt him, as the Belgian marked his Everton debut with the decisive goal in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Upton Park.
Desperate to reinforce his frontline, Allardyce made enquiries throughout the summer about the availability of Lukaku, but was told by parent club Chelsea he would not be available for loan.
However, on transfer deadline day, after Arsenal’s proposed move for Demba Ba fell through, the Blues changed tack and Everton poached Lukaku from under the Hammers’ noses, making Saturday’s defeat doubly difficult for Allardyce to take.
“It was frustrating when he scored,” said Allardyce. “I’d been talking to Chelsea all summer, will he move, won’t he.
“I was told no, then Ba decided to stay and there was a quick shift around with a few hours to go and Everton got there before us. That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”