West Ham United is once again linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike as the January transfer window approaches, writes the TBR. Speculation is mounting, with the Hammers considering reinforcements in the striker position due to a shortage of options.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, West Ham believes they can offer Ekitike the playing time he desires at the London Stadium. The club has been grappling with a lack of goals in the attacking department, with no clear alternative to Michail Antonio as the primary center-forward.
Ekitike, the £30 million signing for Paris Saint-Germain, has found playing time hard to come by, making only a single eight-minute cameo appearance for the club this season. West Ham, having monitored his situation last summer, is reportedly keeping a close eye on the striker’s predicament.
Sources at TEAMtalk suggest that West Ham’s interest is fueled by the hope that the promise of regular starting opportunities could sway Ekitike in favor of choosing the Hammers over other potential suitors, such as Newcastle, where competition for a place up front is more intense.
Currently, West Ham has Danny Ings as a backup to Antonio, but the striker has divided opinions, and his future at the London Stadium remains uncertain. The potential move for Ekitike aligns with West Ham’s urgent need for a new center-forward, while the young PSG talent could revive his career with a change of scenery.
Ekitike, at 21 years old, has seen only eight minutes of game time in the early part of the season, a situation that TEAMtalk describes as a “risible return.” If the move materializes, West Ham would secure the services of “one of Europe’s most highly-rated young players,” according to Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout, who previously rated him a 9 out of 10 in terms of potential and drew comparisons to Thierry Henry.
The Frenchman’s talent, coupled with the opportunity to reignite his career, could position Ekitike as a promising prospect for West Ham, with the potential to develop into a top player at the London Stadium.