New light has been shed on West Ham’s urgent search to recruit a goalscorer in January before Callum Wilson’s injury issues resurface and the Irons are bereft of a decent frontman.
The Hammers, sadly, now look increasingly unlikely to secure the signing of Canadian international Promise David, despite their interest in the highly-rated centre-forward.
C&H can exclusively reveal according to a source close to the player, that the Hammers’ chances of landing David are described as “virtually non-existent,” with estimates putting their probability at just 1%.
While West Ham have been monitoring the striker closely, Union Saint-Gilloise have made it clear they will not sanction any loan move, and David himself is reluctant to swap a club competing in the Champions League for one embroiled in a relegation battle.
The situation is further complicated by the sheer level of demand for David’s services.
The source confirmed that “a lot of clubs want him,” leaving West Ham with little realistic hope of striking a deal.
Another key factor working against West Ham is Brighton & Hove Albion’s unique position, who look to further frustrate the Hammers having clutched a 1-1 draw against Nuno’s team.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom also holds control of Union Saint-Gilloise, and his influence has already facilitated player movement between the two clubs. Notably, goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen joined Union SG from Brighton earlier in 2025, while Union also attempted to sign Carl Rushworth, though the young keeper opted against the move and is currently on loan at Coventry City.
With Brighton also considering a move for Promise David, they are widely considered to be in pole position. Bloom’s dual ownership structure gives the Seagulls a significant advantage in negotiations, allowing them to outmanoeuvre rival clubs with relative ease.
For West Ham, missing out on David would be a blow to their recruitment strategy, particularly as they seek attacking reinforcements to avoid relegation.
This news prior to the January window opening reveals how tough the window will be for West Ham with regards to recruiting new personnel.
If this is fact whu have been made aware and should not waste time and effort.
Concentration needs to be applied only to players who are available.
And obviously want to play at whu.
Cost will play a big part and if they’re above limit these should also be avoided.
Let’s forget Promise
As stated why would he want to give up a CL team
We need to be realistic and make moves for players which we stand a chance of signing
We ha spent far too many transfer window chasing players like Duran,Elliot,McGuire,Mcatee are just a few we wasted most of the transfer window chasing and the had to pay over the odds in desperation for players which were a poor addition to the team Falkrug,Rodriquez being two
But we have signed two great players in Fernandes and Massaga and it is looking good for the young players coming through. Let give them a chance, I dot think we need any more midfield players.A descent striker and may be a couple in defence and that will hopefully give us a chance to beat the drop
This ownership model needs to be challenged it’s a mockery that multiple clubs can be owned (Kretinsky included)