No Partey for West Ham next year

Well that was quick.

Only two days after reports surfaced in the press that Ghanaian AFCON star Thomas Partey might be an option for a trio of Premier League clubs, with Middlesbrough FC, Watford FC and West Ham United all allegedly interested in the services of the midfielder, Thomas Partey has signed a new deal to remain at Atlético Madrid.

The box-to-box midfielder didn't necessarily fit in with the immediate needs of West Ham, but quality young players are often hard to find. With Partey only being 23 years old, he was ripe for a breakout season next year, despite the lack of games he has gotten at Atlético Madrid this season. West Ham may have “missed out” on this transfer, but with all of the young talent already at the club, perhaps addressing the situation at fullback or striker might be a better use of club resources.

Photo by Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

According to our friends at Into The Calderon, Partey will likely be needed down the stretch in Atleti’s La Liga season with other midfielders struggling with injury and form. After being a key part of Ghana’s fourth place finish at AFCON 2017, Partey might force his way into the first team plans for manager Diego Simeone this year. In any case, it was always a long shot that any Premier League team would dish out 20 million pounds for a fringe player in La Liga, even if the team is Atlético Madrid.