Jarrod Bowen added to his impressive Championship goal tally on Saturday but, a few hours later and some 600 miles away, a winger West Ham United were interested in pairing with their talismanic captain produced a Milan derby performance befitting of Kaka.

Kaka was reduced to tears when the 2007 Ballon D’Or winner was inducted into the Rossoneri’s Hall of Fame pre-match.

Moreira had reportedly caught West Ham’s eye with his lively performances on the flank for Strasbourg 12 months ago. Per Claret and Hugh, a source at West Ham United is understood to have confirmed that the club had scouted the Belgian international in his Ligue 1 days.

When the time came for Moreira to look for a fresh challenge, his price-tag – and especially West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League – meant the Londoners could no longer even dream of being in contention.

AC Milan raised eyebrows when they paid £42 million, snatching him from under RB Leipzig’s nose. But as Moreira assisted Christian Pulisic’s opener and Adrien Rabiot’s quickfire second against Scudetto holders Inter – and then sealed a 3-1 win with a gorgeous free-kick – that fee looked a bargain. It may be Kaka’s old shirt, but Moreira is wearing it very well indeed.

AC Milan talisman Diego Moreira was once a West Ham United target

Kevin de Bruyne, Mo Salah, Romelu Lukaku, Diego Moreira? During the 2023/24 season, a little-known Moreira played only once for Chelsea; 45 minutes in a Carabao Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.

West Ham’s gain could’ve been Chelsea’s loss had they struck while the iron was hot in January of this year. Instead, the Hammers blew their winter budget on Taty Castellanos and Pablo. By that point, there was not enough money in the coffers for a big-money wing signing.

Adama Traore joined on a free – and left a few months later with even less fanfare – while Moreira’s reputation, his valuation blossomed.

In just six Serie A appearances, Moreira has four goals and three assists. He’s been Milan’s best player. Now, he’s a derby hero. And what a way to announce yourself, if he hadn’t already. A free-kick swept beautifully into the corner, one any of Milan’s most iconic sons would happily add to their own compilation.

“Moreira is phenomenal. Diego enchants in front of Kaka,” Gazzetta dello Sport raved in their famous pink pages. “A goal and assist with his idol in the stands.”

Jarrod Bowen scored a fine goal himself on Saturday. Breezing in off the left and beating Baggies keeper Max O’Leary at the near post, with the aid of a deflection. Unfortunately for Bowen, his exploits counted for nothing in the end. Diego Moreira – the most deserving of matchwinners – would not have the same problem.