West Ham United’s Search for a New Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin Emerges as a Target
As the January transfer window approaches, West Ham United are intensifying their search for a new striker to replace the injured Michail Antonio. The 34-year-old forward survived a horrific car crash earlier this month, but his playing days may be over at the London Stadium. With Antonio expected to be out of action for at least 12 months, West Ham are facing a significant void in their center-forward department.
The club’s hierarchy, led by manager Julen Lopetegui and sporting director Tim Steidten, are keenly aware of the need to bring in a new striker to fill the void left by Antonio. One of the names being linked with a move to West Ham is Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath, whose agent posted a picture from the club’s academy training ground on Christmas Eve.
However, it appears that West Ham are also exploring other options, with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin emerging as a potential target. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Hammers are interested in signing Calvert-Lewin, who has a proven track record in the Premier League with 70 goals to his name.
Calvert-Lewin’s aerial ability and physical presence would provide West Ham with a different option through the middle, and his experience in the Premier League would be a valuable asset to the team. However, there is a significant caveat to consider – Calvert-Lewin’s woeful injury record.
Since the start of the 2021/22 season, the 27-year-old has missed 69 games through injury, according to Transfermarkt. This raises serious concerns about his long-term durability and whether he would be able to withstand the rigors of regular football.
With Calvert-Lewin’s injury record in mind, the reported £30 million price tag seems steep. West Ham would need to carefully consider whether the risks associated with signing Calvert-Lewin outweigh the potential benefits.
In light of these concerns, it may be wise for West Ham to explore alternative options. One potential target who has been linked with the club is Jhon Duran, a young and promising striker who could provide a more long-term solution to the team’s center-forward needs.
As the January transfer window approaches, West Ham United will need to move quickly to secure the services of a new striker. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin emerging as a potential target, the club’s hierarchy will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of signing the Everton forward. Ultimately, the decision will depend on whether West Ham are willing to take a gamble on Calvert-Lewin’s injury-prone past.