Everton man details annoyance at seeing West Ham transfer blocked

Joshua King, Everton striker

Joshua King has broken his silence on his frustration at having seen a proposed transfer to West Ham break down last summer.

The 29-year-old moved to Merseyside from Bournemouth on deadline day in the winter window, choosing Everton over Fulham. Signing on an initial six-month loan, King has the opportunity to land a long-term deal should he impress.

However, in 11 outings for the Toffees so far, King is yet to rediscover the form that saw him targeted by Manchester United.

The Norway attacker was signed initially as cover for Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. But having stepped off the bench 11 times, King is yet to earn a start. He’s also yet to score for the Toffees and doesn’t have an assist to his name.

Indeed, having only scored three FA Cup goals for Bournemouth this season prior to his move, King is now without a league goal since July.

That has led to speculation that King will be allowed to move on, with a move to Turkey seemingly next on the agenda.

It could all have been so different though for King. He was the subject of an approach from West Ham last summer and a transfer looked likely.

However, the proposed move broke down late on, much to King’s frustration. With the two clubs unable to agree on a fee, King remained on the south coast.

The Hammers have since embarked on a quite brilliant season. That looks likely to end in Europa League qualification for David Moyes’ side.

And that, coupled with struggles at Goodison Park, have seen King come clean on his disappointment at failing to join West Ham.

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“I was on summer vacation and was asked not to come back, because they were going to sell me. Then things happened, which will come out with later,” King told TV2 [via Sport Witness].

“But I didn’t have any beef with Bournemouth because of what happened. When I returned, they declined a bid from West Ham. Then they called me on the deadline day and said they would loan me.

“I had some difficulty understanding why they went from saying no to two bids, to suddenly letting me go on loan. That, I think, is a question I never get an answer to.”


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King names top attributes

For King, however, a move away may from Goodison this summer may well be in his best interests.

Carlo Ancelotti has come to rely on Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James Rodriguez as his attacking axis. That’s left King kicking his heels on the sidelines.

Joshua King, Kalvin Phillips

It’s a shame for the player though who certainly promised big things upon his arrival at Goodison Park.

“I am quick and powerful and strong and good at driving with the ball. I’m known in the Premier League for having decent goalscoring statistics,” he said.

“I was thrilled getting my debut and just have to work hard and learn a lot.

“I’m able to play in any of the front three positions and that helps the depth of the squad.

“I think I can improve as a player and I want to help the team in whatever way the manager sees fit.”

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