Even before West Ham found themselves without the services of Michail Antonio for the foreseeable future, they needed a striker. This week, the need is now urgent. Danny Ings is past his Premier League sell by date and Lopetegui either doesn’t rate rumoured ‘want away’ Niclas Fullkrug or doesn’t think he’s yet fit enough to start: Either way, with a small budget and an urgent need, stories resurfacing of a loan deal being ‘stepped up’ certainly ring true.
Although Brighton’s Evan Ferguson was reportedly ‘wanted’ by his parent club, sources today including tbrfootball and thehardtackle.com suggest that the 20 year old striker is unhappy with his limited game time and that West Ham have stepped up their efforts to bring him in on a loan deal in January.
TBRfootball go on to claim as well as Ferguson (main pic) on a short loan and Yuri Alberto as an outright purchase, (Claret and Hugh last week) Tim Steidten has identified Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt as another target: The good news is that all are under 24 years old!
Yuri Alberto – perfect if West Ham can find the cash for a purchase
Much will depend on what West Ham agree in player sales in January as to whether they have the budget and payroll space to bring in another permanent signing: Both Alberto and Burkhardt are priced in that same €20m range, making them affordable and an ‘Ings upgrade’.
The half-season loan of Ferguson may turn out to be the best arrangement for the club without costing the earth. He’s a pretty decent frontman, too, who would be perfectly suited to replicating Antonio’s hold-up, bullying role as a lone striker.
I just wished jadon stayed with us he would have become a hammers legend he was perfect for us his energy lifted the players and made them all try harder to play at their best
We should go after the the Sesko kid, RB Leipsig striker. I’m watching him play against Aston Villa in European game. Alan Sheraer just said he’s a big fan of his. Only a matter of time till he plays for one of the big boys. So he must be good right? Think he’s only 21.
You can’t help yourself with the “want away” bollox that C&H use against our striker simply because he is a Tim signing?
Are C&H following the Sullivan anti German motto?
Have a word with yourself, you’re embarrassing!
Doing Danny Ings a disservice here, Martin. Just because people keep on saying it doesn’t make it true. Danny is several streets ahead of all the young, untried offerings. OK, he might not be at the required level in a year or two, but right at the moment he is the quality we need.
Much the same could have been said for Michail Antonio. Not getting any younger but knows his way around a football field in a West Ham Team better than most. A great shame if we’ve lost his contributions as would seem most likely barring any miracles.
COYI
Sounds promising!’