Over the past 48 hours, West Ham have been linked with January transfer moves for two strikers, along with speculation that Michail Antonio is up for sale.
However, this morning, Claret & Hugh spoke directly to a top-ranking Hammers official to get the truth on the Hammers’ striker situation, which seems to be an ongoing problem.
Spending big on forwards has never been the issue, as demonstrated by the significant signings of £42 million for Sebastien Haller and £30 million for Gianluca Scamacca. This summer, West Ham made a transfer offer close to £40 million for Jhon Duran and paid Dortmund £25 million for German international Niclas Füllkrug.
Unfortunately, the Irons’ striker curse has bitten again this season, and the club seems no closer to that elusive 20-goal-per-season man than ever. This has prompted the usual speculation of another January spending spree and a fire sale to fund it.
But our top source at the club has dismissed rumours of a January splurge by insisting that the focus is very much on Füllkrug. When asked whether the club would be actively looking to sign a forward in the next window, the club insider said: “No, I think we must give our new German striker a chance. His injury for Germany has really hurt us.”
We were also told yesterday that Füllkrug is crucial to coach Julen Lopetegui’s tactics and that it was hoped his return would be the catalyst for an upturn in form.
Elusive 20 goals per season striker? We’ve had them but didn’t play to their strengths under David Moyes. The amount of chances our midfield and forwards are making means Fullkrug has missed nothing. Antonio said himself that under David Moyes the man up top has to fight over scraps.
As far as 20 goals per season goes I think you’re looking in the wrong place.
I hope our potential 20 goal achiever isn’t going to struggle this season with the extra responsibilities he has been given.
And are the coach’s strategy or methods clear yet ? the shots off target , on target compared to conversions is not a good ratio.