Josh King and a West Ham move remains the most widely discussed striker option of the winter window as far as Hammers fans are concerned.
But it seems the only reason for that is because under the club’s new “keep names schtumm” policy there are no others to discuss.
And given that there’s no way we can loan him, should he be under serious consideration, it means the Irons will be stumping up something between £5million – £10 million presumably under an instalment plan agreed with Bournemouth given the financial situation at various clubs.
There are other players who, like King, will be out of contract come the summer, among them Porto’s Moussa Marega, Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud and Palace Christian Benteke.
I’m not recommending any of them, merely pointing out that there are other options to King who has monopolised the headlines for a couple of months.
Personally I can’t whip any real interest over the Bournemouth front man and the reason is simple because this season he has appeared in eight games completing three and scoring in none of them.
Last season whilst suffering for some time with a thigh injury he scored six goals in 24 starts which is one less then our defensive midfielder Tomas Soucek this season.
Yes, we definitely need a striker and we know the club isn looking to get one in but King is surely not the best option out there .
For the last few summers i have thought that Marega would be a great addition for us; he’s quick, strong, has played against the top teams in the Champions League and has had a decent scoring record. He is similar to Antonio in stature and so would be an apt replacement for when Micky’s hamstrings ping.. However, he is 30 next birthday and so likely at the tail end of his powers. But if he is out of contract in the summer could be worth an enquiry.
I still think King could be a handy Antonio back up. After all, a top striker isn’t going to come to us for next season if Micky is still number 1 and he does have Premier League experience so wouldn’t take time to settle.
Nail well and truly hit on the head there, Hugh. He is not prolific by a long chalk, and played best with Calum Wilson who was the real striker. Not for me either. Yarmo varguably has a better record up front, and Bowen did it with Hull. There must be better options coming up to add to our squad.
I agree, Hugh – have been saying this for a while. King is not what we need. Wrong age and not a goal scorer. If we’re looking to the Championship, I would much rather we move for Adam Armstrong from Blackburn or Ivan Toney from Brentford. Both, however, would cost north of £15 million I would imagine so not available to us this January. It’s for this reason, I would much rather we get a loan for 6 months, if one becomes available. Hate to say it, but Arnie for 6 months would be a perfect solution, until we invest in a long term striker
I was up for having him for sure but after reading this I’m inclined to agree ,,,we need someone fast though for sure …if we could pick him up for 5/6 mill I think it would be worth a punt for that money..he may well hit the ground running with new players and more playing time …he is a totally different forward to haller and mikey so it would give an option wich we definitely need
In a nutshell King is not gonna be any better than who we have got in our squad already? I’m sure Moyes must evaluate this and know who and what the squad needs? As long as Mr Sullivan trusts Moyes judgement and not get involved by bringing in anyone as a gift for Moyes???