Gianluca Scamacca, the West Ham striker who has been subject to transfer speculation this summer, has been named in the squad for the club’s first pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood, according to the Evening Standard.
As relays the WHZ, despite the ongoing rumors linking him with a move away from East London, Scamacca’s inclusion in the squad does not necessarily indicate that he will stay at the club, but it suggests that a deal is not as imminent as previously rumored.
Scamacca has attracted interest from clubs such as Jose Mourinho’s Roma and Champions League semi-finalists AC Milan, following an injury-hit debut season at West Ham. However, the club is determined to recoup a significant portion of the £30.8 million they paid for the striker a year ago and has maintained its valuation throughout the transfer negotiations.
Including Scamacca in the pre-season squad is a logical decision for West Ham. As long as the player remains at the club, it is only fair that he participates in the preparations for the upcoming season. Despite his reported desire to return to Italy and the interest from clubs there, West Ham holds the key until they receive the desired fee. Moreover, the financial state of most Italian clubs may pose obstacles to completing the transfer.
Unless there are reasons to doubt Scamacca’s commitment, the club will continue to involve him in training and preparations. The striker has been actively participating in the team’s pre-season activities and has been dedicated to his fitness regime. As of now, no concrete move seems imminent.
Should Scamacca stay at the London Stadium for the upcoming season, there will be high hopes for his improved performance compared to his previous campaign. In the previous season, he made only 16 league appearances and scored three goals. The club and fans will be eager to see him thrive and contribute more significantly on the pitch.
As the transfer window progresses, the situation surrounding Scamacca’s future will become clearer. Until then, West Ham will continue to monitor the developments and make decisions in the best interests of the club.