West Ham United are now battling Arsenal and Liverpool for the signing of a “very rare” kind of centre-forward, with Graham Potter already making plans for life after Evan Ferguson returns to Brighton from his loan spell.
West Ham identify Evan Ferguson alternatives for next season
Ferguson’s temporary stint at the London Stadium doesn’t include an option or obligation to buy, so if the Irishman impresses enough from now until the end of this Premier League season, West Ham would need to head back to the negotiating table to discuss an extended stay.
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That being said, Ferguson is yet to open his account for the Hammers, so West Ham co-chair David Sullivan could even decide to go in a different direction if he can’t make a significant enough impact.
Newcastle United (home)
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West Ham are reportedly already planning for life after the 20-year-old. Indeed, Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund is on West Ham’s summer radar, with the 22-year-old Denmark international seen as an alternative to Ferguson (TEAMtalk).
Meanwhile, there are also reports that Roma striker Tammy Abraham is a target for West Ham, with the current AC Milan loanee and former Chelsea striker subject to contact from east London (TEAMtalk).
Niclas Füllkrug could be back from injury sooner than expected in a boost for West Ham, and may even return to the fold this month (Claret & Hugh), but the German’s time in England has been blighted by a lack of availability and isn’t getting any younger.
Michail Antonio’s horrific car crash means West Ham will be without the Jamaica international for a lengthy period as well. Danny Ings is also out of contract at the end of this season, meaning it is quite simply imperative that the Irons bring in another striker this summer.
West Ham battling Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Hugo Ekitiké
According to journalist Loic Tanzi, via his colleague Christopher Michel on X, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké is attracting attention from Potter’s side.
The Frenchman has come on leaps and bounds since departing PSG for the Bundesliga, scoring 18 goals in 35 total appearances so far this season, so he’s unsurprisingly on the radar of elite English sides.
Eintracht have set a price tag of around £67 million to sell the 22-year-old, with West Ham battling Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Ektike.
Michel has heavily endorsed Ekitike as a centre-forward option, calling him a “very rare” commodity for his age and a “complete striker”, but it remains to be seen whether West Ham can sway him considering the stiff competition.
“Heki is an exceptional player at 22 years old,” wrote Michel on X. “Yes, he lacks directness. But such a complete striker is very rare in Europe.”