Alekansandr Mitrovic decided against a return to the Premier League this summer despite reports that he was offered to West Ham, Sunderland and Leeds, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Speaking to TBRFootball, Bailey said that Mitrovic “did consider” proposals from English clubs but he was hesitant about facing one of his former teams:

“I’m 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.”

Mitrovic would have strengthened West Ham’s forward line

The 30-year-old has scored 62 goals in 100 caps for Serbia. At club level, he found the back of the net 28 times in 36 appearances for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last season.

Considering the lack of firepower currently at the disposal of Hammers’ boss Graham Potter, Mitrovic’s arrival would have been a big boost.

However, the Serbian international has subsequently moved to Qatar, with Al-Rayyan having snapped him up on a free transfer just a few days ago.

Potter has two injury-prone strikers

Following the news that Niclas Fullkrug has picked up yet another injury on international duty, it looks like Callum Wilson will start West Ham’s next Premier League match against Tottenham.

The striker got off the mark for the Irons versus Nottingham Forest, but it must be pointed out that he isn’t exactly known for staying fit for long periods either.

There is a very good chance that Potter will be forced into using captain Jarrod Bowen up front again in the not-too-distant future.

Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here