“Good bye kudus?” Lopetugi already has a world-class replacement for Kudus who happens to be an African, Here We Go

West Ham United is set for a significant overhaul this summer, with new manager Julen Lopetegui aiming to bolster his squad ahead of the 2024-25 season. One area of focus is the striker position, with Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi emerging as a prime target.

Awoniyi, 26, has impressed in the Premier League despite injury issues, scoring six goals and registering three assists in 20 appearances last season. His physicality and hold-up play have drawn comparisons to Crystal Palace’s Jean-Phillipe Mateta, with both players boasting similar goal-scoring records.

According to The Athletic’s Daniel Taylor, West Ham is keen on signing Awoniyi, who is valued at £12.7m by Football Observatory. However, Nottingham Forest is reluctant to sell, and Chelsea has also shown interest in the Nigerian striker.

Awoniyi’s addition would bring much-needed quality to West Ham’s attack, which has relied heavily on Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus for goals. With both players potentially leaving the club this summer, Lopetegui is eager to strengthen his squad.

The Nigerian striker’s stats are impressive, with six goals and three assists in 20 Premier League appearances last season. His debut season in the top flight saw him score ten goals and register one assist in 27 games, despite playing for a newly promoted side.

Awoniyi’s physicality and hold-up play are significant assets, earning him the nickname “monster of an athlete” from journalist David Hundeyin. His ability to play with his back to goal and bring others into play would be a valuable asset for West Ham.

Comparisons to Mateta are apt, with both players boasting similar goal-scoring records. According to FBref, Mateta’s expected goals per 90 minutes is 0.43xG, with Awoniyi’s slightly less at 0.41xG. West Ham would be bringing in a top striker to the club, purely based on xG.

Lopetegui’s first transfer window is crucial, and signing Awoniyi would be an astute piece of business. It would address a significant area of need and provide a physical presence up front, allowing West Ham to compete with the top teams in the Premier League.

With Bowen and Kudus potentially leaving, West Ham needs a striker who can deliver goals and physicality. Awoniyi fits the bill, and his addition would be a significant coup for Lopetegui and the Hammers.

The transfer window is always full of surprises, but West Ham’s pursuit of Awoniyi makes sense. He has the quality and physicality to make a significant impact in the Premier League, and his addition would be a statement of intent from Lopetegui and the club.

As the summer transfer window heats up, West Ham fans will be eagerly watching to see if Awoniyi becomes the club’s first signing under Lopetegui. If he does, it could be a shrewd piece of business that sets the tone for a successful season.

In conclusion, West Ham’s interest in Taiwo Awoniyi is a no-brainer. He has the quality, physicality, and goal-scoring record to make a significant impact in the Premier League. With Bowen and Kudus potentially leaving, Lopetegui needs a striker who can deliver, and Awoniyi fits the bill. His addition would be a statement of intent from the club, and West Ham fans would be excited to see him lead the line next season.

The transfer window is always full of surprises, but West Ham’s pursuit of Awoniyi makes sense. He has the quality and physicality to make a significant impact in the Premier League, and his addition would be a significant coup for Lopetegui and the Hammers.

As the summer transfer window heats up, West Ham fans will be eagerly watching to see if Awoniyi becomes the club’s first signing under Lopetegui. If he does, it could be a shrewd piece of business that sets the tone for a successful season.

Awoniyi’s stats are impressive, and his physicality and hold-up play are significant assets. He has the ability to play with his back to goal and bring others into play, which would be a valuable asset for West Ham.

The Nigerian striker’s addition would bring much-needed quality to West Ham’s attack, which has relied heavily on Bowen and Kudus for goals. With both players potentially leaving the club this summer, Lopetegui is eager to strengthen his squad.

In conclusion, West Ham’s interest in Taiwo Awoniyi is a no-brainer. He has the quality, physicality, and goal-scoring record to make a significant impact in the Premier League. With Bowen and Kudus potentially leaving, Lopetegui needs a striker who can deliver, and Awoniyi fits the bill. His addition would be a statement of intent from the club, and West Ham fans would