West Ham’s desire to lure a new forward to East London is no secret, in fact, you could say it goes as far back as the departure of Marko Arnautovic. Moves for Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca cost a combined €88,000,000. The Hammers’ return on investment was just 22 goals. Ever since, they have perhaps been scarred by these failed transfers, not spending over €12,000,000 on a forward since Danny Ings in January 2023. We grade every West Ham transfer rumoured striker this summer.
West Ham’s Striker Transfer Timeline: Grading Them All
Early Rumours for Samu Omorodion – B-
Having already splashed some cash this summer, on the likes of Luis Guilherme and Max Kilman, Julen Lopetegui appears to be unphased by spending big.
Their first reported summer target to bolster their attacking ranks was Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid. However, they saw an offer in excess of €35,000,000 politely sent straight back by the Madrid club. The Spanish youth international has since come out and said that “Other clubs want me? My focus is on Atletico”. Citing “support from the club” as a key reason for his decision.
The Colombian Villan – A+ – Ideal West Ham Transfer
It took nearly a whole month for the next rumour to roll around, when in early July, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Irons had “Already submitted more than one bid for Jhon Durán to Aston Villa”. Personal terms were agreed upon rapidly, therefore now it was just up to the two Claret and Blue outfits to decide on a payment package.
Aston Villa have so far not kicked up a fuss about potentially losing Durán, a player they signed just a year-and-a-half ago. With their eyes set on building a squad ready for the taxing nature of the Champions League, it has been reported they may pounce to sign João Félix from Atletico Madrid.
Read More: West Ham to Join Race for Exceptional ‘One-on-One’ Defender
Fast forward to the end of July, and negotiations are still ongoing, the most recent bid to be submitted to Villa being £32,000,000, plus Lewis Orford, who is an 18-year-old central midfielder and highly thought of within “The Academy of Football”. However, Fabrizio Romano, who has had his finger on the pulse of this story, reported that a valuation of £40,000,000 will have to be met.
Keeping an Eye on a Ukrainian Marksman – B+
West Ham were also deemed interested in securing the services of Artem Dovbyk. The Girona goal machine tore up La Liga last campaign. Although it appears that his interest now lies solely on joining Daniele de Rossi at Roma.
German Giant Niclas Fullkrug Now on Hammers Radar – A
Given the high asking price from Aston Villa for their Colombian frontman, West Ham now might be looking at cheaper alternatives. Niclas Fullkrug has emerged as a new target for the Irons to pursue according to Dharmesh Sheth, as he enters the final two years of his Borussia Dortmund contract. It would, however, see a very different demographic that Loptegui is targeting here: Fullkrug turned 31 in February.
The German international registered 20 goals involvements with the North Rhine-based club. He could provide an excellent attacking threat under the new manager. Fullkrug, who is also receiving interest from AC Milan, draws similarities to Youssef En-Nesyri, who Lopetegui signed for Sevilla under his tenure back in 2020; a tall, strong forward, who has an instinctive threat within the penalty area.
Read More: West Ham In Talks To Sign ‘Highly-Rated’ Premier League Defender
It is unclear though whether Fullkrug would be signed as a backup, or to be the one to lead the line in their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
Alexander Sorloth’s Signature Also Being Chased – B+
Alexander Sorloth is also on the list of potential targets. Again, this signifies a change in approach to the archetypes their new goal scorer must possess. Sorloth resembles Fullkrug in stature, with the key differential perhaps being Sorloth’s athletic ability to exploit a high line and get in behind. This is something that Irons fans wouldn’t see from the current Dortmund man should he be playing at the London Stadium in Claret and Blue.
Who Would Be the Best Fit?
West Ham have not only been linked to numerous different names, but actually, a number of different styles of strikers.
Jhon Durán, pace, power, determination. He might be the best talent out of all the targets, but does it make him the best fit for Julen Lopetegui and the style of football he wants to implement? Firstly, he is the only one of their targets who is “Premier League proven”. Having scored five goals for Aston Villa last season, the most impressive thing being those five strikes came from just 462 league minutes. His XG per 90 is also spectacular, the Colombian’s being 0.97. Rounding up, that’s the equivalent to scoring a goal in every game he starts.
Read More: ‘Excellent’ Liverpool Target Wanted By West Ham: ‘Submitted Initial Proposal’
Niclas Fullkrug is also a proven goalscorer, but over a more prolonged period of time. The German most recently plied his trade at Euro 2024, where he scored twice despite only being afforded 161 minutes of pitch time in the whole tournament. Despite his 6’2″ frame, his aerial numbers aren’t anything to write home about. Just 3 of his 12 Bundesliga goals were headers, so perhaps he isn’t the target man West Ham need?
His age is also an issue in terms of return on initial investment. If the Irons are to secure his signature, it will most likely cost in excess of €15,000,000. Therefore, if David Sullivan is looking to recoup some of this in the future, this may not be the deal for him!
So, to conclude, if West Ham are looking for a striker to come in, score goals, and then sell for a future profit, then Jhon Durán should be their primary focus. On the other hand, if they are looking for a short-term solution, for a significantly cheaper price, then Niclas Fullkrug might be their man!
