Turning their attention towards Graham Potter’s first summer transfer window in charge, West Ham United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a 19-goal striker ahead of Chelsea.
West Ham transfer news
Whilst the Hammers did welcome Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion during the January transfer window, it remains to be seen whether the young forward will complete a permanent move when the summer transfer window arrives.
Potentially leaving West Ham short on options and with an ageing Michail Antonio and Niklas Fullkrug to choose from, those at the London Stadium must turn towards the transfer market. It’s the type of signing which could transform Potter’s side and ensure that victories such as last weekend’s over Arsenal are no longer great upsets, but a growing trend.
After missing out on Jhon Duran last summer, West Ham cannot afford to miss out on a star striker for the second summer on the bounce, which would set Potter up for the same failure that Julen Lopetegui endured. With one name beginning to dominate the headlines though, the Hammers could yet make their move.
According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Samu Omorodion from Porto, who reportedly value their forward at a hefty €50m (£42m).
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West Ham aren’t the only side interested either, with both Chelsea and Aston Villa threatening to jump ahead of those at the London Stadium in pursuit of the talented 20-year-old.
Chelsea, of course, missed out on Samu’s signature last summer before he opted to swap Atletico Madrid for Porto at a bargain price of just £12.7m. Now, one year and plenty of goals later, the Portuguese side could be set to make instant profit.
“Complete” Samu would transform West Ham
West Ham showed exactly what they’re capable of against Arsenal last time out, but they still lack crucial consistency if it’s not Jarrod Bowen who steps up. Without Antonio this season, they’ve been forced to fall back on Danny Ings and Fullkrug, who has enudred injury issues of his own along the way towards reaching transfer flop status.
When Antonio returns, meanwhile, there’s no telling whether he’ll reach previous levels after suffering such a disastrous injury in a shock car crash earlier this season. At 34 years old too, the forward is unlikely to have many years left in the tank – making West Ham’s need for a striker even more urgent in an issue that Omorodion would instantly solve.
The Porto star has stolen headline after headline in Portugal this season, with 19 goals in 31 games to his name in all competitions. Dubbed a “complete” striker by football talent scout Jacek Kulig as a result, Samu is destined for greatness.
Likely igniting a Premier League battle when the summer arrives, there’s no doubt that Omorodion will be one to watch.