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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayIt was a mixed transfer window at West Ham United in the end, but things could have been so much different had they signed the attacking target that they set their sights on.
West Ham's transfer window in review
To say it was a slow start for the Hammers would be an understatement. It looked as though they were going to stand still entirely at one stage, opting to welcome just Callum Wilson and El Hadji Malick Diouf, until they finally returned to the transfer market late on and signed the likes of Mateus Fernandes.
It could be that late flurry that sparks a much-needed turnaround under Graham Potter. Before their 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest before the international break, the Hammers had lost all three of their first games, and had conceded 11 goals in the process. Pressure, as a result, was increasing on Potter.
The former Brighton manager would have breathed a greater sight of relief than anyone else involved at the City Ground, but West Ham must now kick on when they return to action.
Only time will tell whether late deals for Fernandes, Igor Julio and Soungoutou Magassa are enough to turn things around permanently at West Ham and save their transfer window, but Potter can no longer say that he wasn't backed.
Up next for the Hammers after the international break is the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in a London derby. The Lilywhites have looked much-improved under Thomas Frank, although West Ham are no strangers to defeating their rivals and will be hoping to pick up where they left off against Forest.
It is, of course, the type of game that Aleksandar Mitrovic would have thrived in, but West Ham can thank one reason why he's not lining up for Potter's side after the summer transfer window.
West Ham made late Mitrovic offer
As reported by The Boot Room's Graeme Bailey, West Ham made a late offer to sign Mitrovic after he was granted an exit from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Alongside Leeds United, the Hammers were pushing to welcome the forward back to the Premier League to solve their attacking problems.
Ultimately, however, he opted against returning to English football as he didn't want to tarnish the relationship that he has with Fulham, having spent five years at the West London club.
“I am told that Mitrovic listened to the options put to him, but in many ways he was unsure about coming back due to the impact it might have on his Fulham legacy – we can’t underestimate just how much he loved his time at Craven Cottage.
“He did consider it, but they were not quite right for him at this point, but I would not rule out a return at some point.” (Graeme Bailey)
Once dubbed "outstanding" by Fulham boss Marco Silva, there's no doubt that Mitrovic would have been an instant upgrade on West Ham's current options.