West Ham United
Premier League • England
West Ham transfers: Gianluca Scamacca told where he should play next season as rumours of summer exit continue
Gianluca Scamacca leaving West Ham after just one season to join Roma would not be good for his career, according to Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali.
Scamacca, 24, penned a five-year deal with the Hammers last summer as the East End outfit paid Sassuolo a reported £30.5m. He bagged 16 goals from 32 Serie A appearances in 2021-2022 and was tipped for big things at the London Stadium. However, he failed to settle in the capital, netting just three times in 16 top-flight outings.
The Italy international was more prolific in Europe, notching five goals from nine Europa Conference League outings.
However, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in March and had to watch as David Moyes’s men enjoyed European glory.
Now the dust has settled on the campaign, it seems as though Scamacca has had enough of West Ham and wants to return to his homeland.
And it was reported earlier his week that Roma had agreed a deal with the Hammers to take him to Stadio Olimpico.
Carnevali watched him at close quarters during his time at Sassuolo. He is a big fan of the forward and does not think the time is right to leave England.
“I think Scamacca could be a great signing for an important club, because he has extraordinary characteristics with great potential and such room for further improvement,” he told Rai Due.
“If I was a top-level club, I would sign him, but if I was Scamacca, I would stay in the Premier League.
“He only had one year there, he needs time to settle in, didn’t know the language and had an injury that stalled his progress.”
Scamacca urged to snub Roma
Despite being on Sassuolo’s books for five years, Scamacca only played one full season for the club. He was sent on loan to Cremonese, PEC Zwolle, Ascoli and Genoa.
The Rome-born star has never been prolific in front of goal but has been capped 11 times by the Azzurri.
It remains to be seen if he does get his wish to return home. But Carnevali has warned that linking up with Jose Mourinho would be the wrong move to make.
“I think it would do him good to remain in the Premier League and not return immediately to Italy, especially to Roma,” he added.
“I know this is his desire right now, but I believe it would not be the right thing for him.”
West Ham have done little business in the transfer market this summer. They were involved in the biggest deal to date when Declan Rice moved to Arsenal for £105m.
Moyes has funds to spend and will want to strengthen after last season’s below-par league showing.
But he may well be losing Scamacca, with reports of a loan deal for around €4-5m.
There will be an obligation to buy the player outright for €22m if certain conditions are met.