By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham made an official attempt to sign exciting Swedish winger Alieu Njie before the 21-year-old eventually moved from Torino to Fiorentina. His agent, Sandro Martone, has confirmed that the Hammers submitted a proposal, although the amount of West Ham’s bid was not disclosed.
Fiorentina eventually signed Njie in a deal worth up to €20 million—approximately £17 million—including bonuses. Since arriving in Florence, the winger has begun to turn heads and provided an assist during Tuesday night’s 3–0 Coppa Italia victory over Pisa.
Former Arsenal and Fiorentina goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has described Njie’s early impact as “devastating”, praising his speed, dribbling and power before comparing him to AC Milan star Rafael Leão. Njie has since admitted that Leão was one of the players who inspired him after he arrived in Italy.
Koppen deserves credit for identification
For me, West Ham’s is another indicator the Hammers were on the right track with their summer recruitment.
Claret & Hugh was told by a West Ham source on Wednesday that recruitment director Nils Koppen led every single Hammers signing during the summer transfer window.
Njie’s agent told Viola News that West Ham presented Torino with an official proposal. Crystal Palace were also interested, but the player had made a firm decision that he wanted to join Fiorentina.
It’s no big deal that West Ham should lose out to a Serie A team in the transfer market. If anything, the fact Koppen’s recruitment operation was looking at a quick, powerful and highly rated 21-year-old is encouraging. I have to say that following concerns that we’d turn to journey pro’s like Reiss Nelson, I was happy with the decision to target young wingers.
West Ham eventually signed Austbø
The Hammers ultimately filled the fledgling-wide-man position by signing Edvin Austbø from Viking FK.
I have little doubt that Austbø can provide more than adequate cover for Manor Solomon on the left. He is another young player with speed, dribbling ability and plenty of room to improve, which again suggests that Koppen is targeting footballers with potential rather than relying entirely on established names.
The larger question concerns the opposite side.
Keiber Lamadrid has predominantly played from the left during his career. While he may be capable of operating elsewhere, it remains unproven whether he can provide reliable cover for Jarrod Bowen on the right. And frankly, I’m far from convinced he’s good enough for the Championship but at £1m it hardly matters if he fails to make the grade.
That said, it should be cautioned that West Ham always run the risk of being one Bowen injury away from a potential disaster. If the captain were unavailable for a significant period, it is not immediately obvious who could replicate his goals, assists or influence.
There is no obvious cover for Jarrod Bowen
January could become important
Nuno’s squad currently looks strong, even if it is not perfect. Beat Millwall on Saturday and the team are likely to enter the international break sitting at the top of the Championship.
There will be very few coaches anywhere in world football, never mind the Championship, who consider their squad completely ideal.
However, this story could become more relevant as January approaches. If the ownership situation has been resolved by then, West Ham should have an opportunity to address any obvious weaknesses and make one final addition for the promotion push.
At present, the lack of proven cover for Bowen looks like the issue most likely to require attention. But really, it’s no big deal missing out on anther winger.
Lamadrid was just a classic cheap punt from that controlling cheapskate grotesque moron David Sullivan.
Serie A is not the same style as the Championship. Success in Serie A often falls when players arrive in the PL. Perhaps one of the reasons that his advisors steered towards Serie A was that thought it suited his playing style better. We think the Championship is a little aggressive now. Wait until the pitches get heavier
Are Austbo and Solomon inverted left wingers I.e. right footed? If so surely one of them could fill in for Bowen for a short spell
Gonzo, I think Kante could be good down the right as cover for Bowen. The guy can run, has a clear attacking threat, and knows how to get the ball into dangerous positions in the box. He also knows how to get himself in the box to score. What do you think?
Kante looks better coming off the bench and needs more playing time.
Nuno hasn’t got any body to play this position but tried Ajala against Fulham.
Apparently he can play any where across front line again lacking experience.
As a stepping stone perhaps should try Bowen in centre for some games and others out on right wing.
They had opportunities to strengthen this position but chose to ignore it.
Largie and Sorba Thomas who were linked.
I like the idea of Bowen playing central whilst a reserve is established to play on the right wing, especially one who has tge ability to drift centrally, allowing Jarrod to return to the wing for sections of a match.