West Ham United opted not to pursue a new striker during the summer transfer window, despite the departure of Gianluca Scamacca. While this decision may have been manageable initially, as the fixtures pile up, the need for a new forward is becoming increasingly evident and should be the club’s top priority in upcoming transfer windows, writes the Hammer.News.
This strategic choice could pose challenges for the Hammers in the long run, especially if they aim to remain competitive for European spots in the Premier League, a goal articulated by manager David Moyes on multiple occasions. Michail Antonio, who will turn 34 in March, has served the club admirably and will continue to play a crucial role. However, he cannot be expected to feature in every game, and certain opponents may require a more clinical and ruthless striker.
Last weekend, Hammers News reported on the remarkable performances of one of West Ham’s rumored striker targets, currently playing in Germany. During the summer, West Ham was strongly linked with a move for 27-year-old Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy.
According to a report from Kicker last month, Guirassy was available for just £13 million until August 10th, but West Ham chose not to pursue the opportunity. Since then, Guirassy’s statistics have been nothing short of impressive, with 11 goals, 10 of them in five Bundesliga games, and two assists in six matches for Stuttgart, propelling them to third place in the early-season standings. Communication channels between West Ham and Stuttgart are already open following the acquisition of Konstantinos Mavropanos by the London Stadium.
Recent developments suggest that West Ham may have found an ideal successor to Antonio in Guirassy. German outlet Bild has reported that Guirassy, a target for the Hammers, now has a new release clause of just £17.5 million, effective next summer. This could present a golden opportunity for West Ham to secure a new striker.
However, there is a sense of urgency, as Bild also suggests that Stuttgart is contemplating buying out the striker’s release clause due to his exceptional start to the season, with the belief that they can sell him for a much higher price in either the January or summer transfer window. Guirassy’s consistent form over the past seasons positions him as one of the leading strikers in world football, making him a valuable asset for any club.
West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, will need to act swiftly to ensure they do not miss out on securing Guirassy, who could be the key to bolstering their attacking options and maintaining their competitive edge in the Premier League.