West Ham United have reportedly entered the transfer race for Besiktas wonderkid Semih Kilicsoy, according to Caught Offside. The 18-year-old striker has emerged as a hot property in Europe after a promising debut season in Turkey.
Kilicsoy’s impressive form for Besiktas has seen him linked with a host of prestigious clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Atletico Madrid, and …er Fulham! This intense competition highlights his potential.
Besiktas seems willing to part ways with Kilicsoy for the right price, with estimates ranging from £21.3 million to £25.6 million.
The Hammers’ need for a new striker is no secret. Michail Antonio’s age is a concern, Divin Mubama is expected to depart, and Danny Ings hasn’t lived up to expectations. Kilicsoy could be a solution, but questions remain.
Kilicsoy’s record of 11 goals in 30 appearances is commendable, but his limited experience raises doubts. His versatility across the forward line offers tactical flexibility.
West Ham‘s well documented history of struggling to find the right striker adds to the concerns surrounding a potential hefty price tag for a player with just one season under his belt.
The ideal scenario for West Ham, irrespective of the manager, is to bring in players who can contribute immediately. While Kilicsoy’s potential is undeniable, his lack of experience in the Premier League might not translate to solving the team’s current problems.
Overall, West Ham’s interest in Semih Kilicsoy reflects their need for a striker. However, his inexperience and the high transfer fee make him a gamble that could be a double-edged sword.