West Ham United are reportedly setting their sights on Botafogo’s rising star Igor Jesus, with the Brazilian forward commanding a whopping £30 million price tag. But with the club’s recent spending spree, questions inevitably arise about where the funds for such a transfer would come from.
The 23-year-old Jesus has been making headlines in Brazil’s Serie A this season, showing a knack for scoring with five goals since his return from a four-year stint in the UAE. His performances have also caught the eye of the Brazilian national team selectors, leading to call-ups and appearances against Chile and Peru.
Botafogo, who signed him earlier this year, seem willing to cash in immediately—provided the price is right. However, C&H were informed by a top club source last week that the the Hammers would have to sell before they could buy.
For West Ham, the urgency to secure a reliable striker has been mounting, especially given the terrible start from summer signing Niclas Fullkrug. Despite his £27 million price tag, Fullkrug has yet to make a single league start for the Irons, raising eyebrows about why he was signed in the first place given his injury record.
In response, head coach Julen Lopetegui has reportedly pushed for reinforcements come January, with Jesus potentially seen as a solution.
However, Lopetegui’s demands are on shaky ground considering West Ham’s less than average start to the season. After a string of unconvincing performances, pressure on him has intensified, with a must-win fixture against Everton just around the corner. Whether Lopetegui will even be in charge by January to manage any striker West Ham signs is increasingly unlikely, and the board will consider a managerial shift before making significant investments.
You will remember that I said last week that FULLKRUG ‘S injury (known as achilles tendinitis) is difficult to make a prognosis regarding ANY timescale for COMPLETE recovery . because it can easily reoccur. I did have experience with an athlete l coached ( 10 years younger than FULLKRUG) who constantly had the problem . even with careful recuperative training . I am also aware that the condition will worsen with age , due to the deterioration of tissue around the site. l noted that a DR. BRAR confirmed this on another site ( he is a specialist in this form of injury), the long and short of this is FULLKRUG cannot be expected to return quickly and if and when he does it is a bonus for the team .
Anticipating what Ray is about to say ! I completely agree.
Yet another reference to the “Must win” game against Everton, but probably most of us already feel that West Ham will get the three points and in so doing prolong our agony by handing Lopetegui a reprieve. After that, it’s Newcastle and Arsenal which will result in zero points, but the passives will all then say “Yes, but we have only lost to teams in the top 14” and so another reprieve. Next up, Leicester becomes the “must win” game followed by Wolves. If we win both of those then Lopetegui is suddenly back to “tactical master stroke” territory until we get mauled by Bournemouth and Brighton, after which Southampton becomes the next “must win”. Then on to Liverpool and City, please, just end it now.