Simon wrote yesterday about our reported interest, along with AS Roma, in bringing a ‘giant’ Villarreal Striker to London Stadium. Of course, bringing a 6’5 Norwegian with Premier league experience and a proven goal scoring pedigree to London Stadium sounds an excellent option.
However, the price seems almost as big as the player, with Villarreal quoting a high price of thirty eight million euros as the release clause for Alexander Sorloth which for me rules this one out. Far from being a negotiating stance, it seems that his club do not want to part with him if at all possible and are doing all they can to price him out of the market.
No argument there, after all didn’t we do the same with Jarrod Bowen recently, telling would-be suitor Man United that they’d need £150 million to take their interest forward?
Such a large sum for Sorloth seems unrealistic considering the other options being thrown around on various ‘in the know’ sites and social media accounts : In addition, I’m not certain that Lopetegui plays a style that warrants an out -and-out target man.
We were linked earlier this week with Georges Mikautadze , the Georgian Euro 2024 success story who’d offer a very different style but a much more attainable £15-£20 million price tag according to transfermarkt.
Half the price apparently would buy Youssuf En Nesyri – currently bids for 17 million euro are being considered. I guess if the Head Coach rated him, Steiden would be trying to do a deal. My earlier piece this week on Jhon Duran from Villa I think mentioned prices nearer to the £20 million bracket (Transfermarkt) but I see some weeks ago Fabrizio Romano stated Villa value him back up at that £35-£40 million price. In any case, It seems to have gone very quiet in the rumour factory today regarding the Colombian.
Free agents available as ‘squad’ players such as Memphis Depay or even Kelechi Iheanacho as discussed again by Simon yesterday could offer better value in the market place as back – up additions, surely, than spending thirty five million pounds plus on Sorloth.
It seems we are now facing clubs who see our £40 million pay-out for Max Kilman as evidence that we are flush with cash and ready to pay silly sums. Modest signing on fees of a few million for free agents who can play along the front line either centrally or wide might well be a solution that would mesh well with both the current squad and the coaches’ style.
I don’t know whether to feel frustrated that the striker remains unresolved or encouraged that we are looking to solve finally the ‘hole’ in our front line. We’re obviously out there chasing down and bidding for players but don’t underestimate the possibility of West Ham picking up one of the ‘free’ options which could bolster our still-thin front man options.
To be honest the only striker that we’ve been linked with that I’d like is En Nesyri. Cheap and proven at the highest level.
Wilson, Iheanacho, Depay, Wilson should all be avoided. And if we pay £35m for Sorloth it’s a big risk as he’d have to be first choice. Not good enough. We need to get this signing right. Too many seasons without bringing in a quality striker and playing to his strengths
Agreed, Ian, I do wonder if Lopetegui’s style actually needs that landmark number 9 signing. I guess we will find out shortly.
Can’t afford to test the water as transfer season will be over.
He could be putting his head on a chopping block.
Fans and media will crucify him after all the talk that striker is included in his buying list.
Do need another c/bk + plus left winger capable of playing anywhere across front + main striker and maybe a freebie as backup.
Thanks Jeeps- more news of a formal £29 million striker offer- completely new name – will be here tomorrow morning.
Iheanacho would only make sense if we bring in TWO strikers. He’s not the starter we need.
In agreement with you Phil but a big improvement on Danny Ings. Can’t understand why we’ve not offloaded one or two squad player’s and Aguard if he wants to leave. Great player in his day but Zouma now looks crippled and would’nt pass a medical anywhere else. Next incoming transfer needs to be CF, thereafter, with transfer budget almost depleted any future incomings would be loans, with obligation to buy and free transfers. First three signings look great business, hopefully, what happens next is equally as good. Hopefully, top six at least but time will tell.
Absolutely, Phil. Not expecting a loan or free striker to be our ONLY business in that position but would be a prudent ‘plan B’ option to supplement another.