Reports linking Josh Sargent to West Ham persist, with suggestions that Vice Chair Karren Brady has already made contact with Norwich City and the striker’s representatives, Wasserman.
For many West Ham supporters, Sargent may feel like an uninspiring name. But, much like inspecting a car, I thought it might be worth lifting the bonnet and seeing what lies beneath.
At 6ft 1in, just 25 years old, and already a US international, Sargent boasts 255 career appearances with 73 goals and 21 assists. Head Of Technical Recruitment and Analysis Max Hahn would note his strong underlying numbers this season. An expected goals (xG) of 7.4, non-penalty (npxG) of 6.6, and expected assisted goals (xAG) of 3.1—evidence that he consistently finds high-value scoring positions.
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By contrast, Niclas Füllkrug’s output has been far less convincing. He has failed to score despite an expected goals (xG) of 1.95, suggesting poor finishing and low confidence. His expected assists (xA) of 1.51 has yielded no assists, with teammates failing to convert his chances. Averaging just 1.95 shots per 90 minutes, his numbers are well below his Dortmund levels of 2.1–2.9 shots per 90.
The need therefore for a new striker is clear, but why Sargent?
He is among the Championship’s most active ‘defensive’ forwards, far from a static penalty box poacher. He thrives when carrying the ball into space and spearheading counterattacks.
Sargent has been described by football journalist Joe Prince-Wright as a player that works his socks off and gives 100% each week.
This profile fits Nuno’s ideal striker, one who presses, holds up play, and runs the channels. Sargent’s arrival would immediately lift West Ham’s intensity when out of possession.
Norwich City’s less than prolific striker is reported to be the subject of a £17.5m transfer offer from West Ham
Negatives to his game show he does go through periods of goal droughts – for example he hasn’t scored for his international team since November 2019!
Also, as with many targets, injuries remain a concern. Since the 2019/20 season, he has missed 66 matches and spent 336 days sidelined with ankle, groin, and muscle issues. Most recently, he was absent from Norwich’s clash with Southampton due to concussion protocols.
Norwich are said to value him at £20m, while West Ham’s valuation sits closer to £17.5m.
Nuno is keen to bring in a player who has domestic league experience and with a modest transfer kitty his options are limited. Whether negotiations reach a conclusion is uncertain.
What is certain, however, is that West Ham will need to move for a striker in the upcoming window, be it a short-term loan or a permanent signing.
WATCHED H8M SEVERAL TIMES NOT GOOD ENOUGH
No pace and not sure if he has the physicality for the premier league. I would love to be proven wrong. Maybe worth a punt as a back up striker but think we have good options at youth level for that, Marshall and the two Scottish lads.
Many people need to realise we are not attracting a BIG name unless we play silly wages and a release clause benefitting the player is inserted if we go down.
Everyone just thinks Hugil but we have had a lot worse down the years and in very recent times as well…….Sargent i like he is a goalscorer nothing else and as we have one striker who does not want to play for us another who can last 60 mins so a gamble it maybe but why would a 6 foot plus player with an exotic sounding name costing 20/30 million be better? add to that they have to acclimatise to the prem and the speed of the game etc we simply cannot afford that unless Sargents got in to play ahead of such a player whilst they get up to speed? so don’t knock the player before he arrives and rmbr sometimes just sometimes these kind of deals work