David Moyes probably has a very good idea by now whether any players he has watched in close-up at the Euros can indeed become Hammers players this summer. We will need to wait until July 11 at least, when the competition ends, to see where his observations have led him since the tournament started.
One pre-tournament candidate, Czech Republic midfielder Alex Kral is even further out of the picture than when we reported no talks had been held ahead of it after a less than average tournament thus far.
But as far as strikers are concerned, Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite, who has been linked with us on various occasions over the last few months, has done well for Denmark.
However, his age profile probably won’t suit the boss given he is now 30.
The one striker we have seen who does look business is Switzerland’s frontman 24-year-old Breel Embolo who scored in his nation’s 1-1 draw against Wales and who will no doubt be on show against France on Tuesday evening.
He can also play as a winger or attacking midfielder and looks an interesting prospect at a price of around £18 million should we lose Andriy Yarmolenko as he can play right wing. And should we fail to get Jesse Lingard he can also double up as an attacking midfielder.
He has a contract with Borussia Monchengladbach until June 2023 and could become a useful addition.
Has only scored 6 goals in 41 games for his club . Not prolific enough imho .
Big ,strong,fast but only 6 goals in 40 odd appearances for his club . Need someone a bit more prolific than that imho .
IMHO – I doubt anyone will be able to buy Embolo for as little as £18mil. after his performances at the Tourie.
He does look a bit of a handful though?!
Oh please no.Hardly what is needed. Thought we were promised we were going for an uplift in quality in the striking dept. Seem to be going nowhere in particular but linked with everyone. Unfortunately not in the top tier within reason.
The young player that has impressed me, is the Austrian Sasa kalajdzic. His only 23 and at 6ft 7 is a coleuses. He is technically very gifted and moves amazingly well. He glides across the field and brings in other players around him. Obviously compares to Peter Crouch but technically better and more manoeuvrable and faster. I think he would terrorise the Premier League.Definately one to keep an eye on.
What’s with the ‘age profile’? 30 may not be development squad potential but we probably have a need for ‘oven-ready’ players for today. Without today, there is no tomorrow.
COYI
Cos he keeps repeating “young and energetic players”
Let’s hope we don’t fall for buying a player on the back of a good tournament.
History tells us these signings very rarely work out.
Would prefer Issak