Sport nationWest Ham United is actively pursuing a new striker, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson emerging as Graham Potter’s top target. However, the Hammers are also considering alternative options, including Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.
In a surprising development, West Ham is looking to offload midfielder Luis Guilherme just seven months after signing him from Palmeiras for £25 million. The Brazilian has made just six appearances for the Hammers, all of which were as a substitute for 18 minutes or less.
According to talkSPORT, West Ham is in talks with dealmakers in Saudi Arabia about the potential sale of Guilherme. The club is also open to offers for winger Maxwel Cornet, who has spent the first half of the season on loan at Southampton.
Guilherme’s departure would be a significant blow to under-pressure sporting director Tim Steidten, who signed the Brazilian last summer. Steidten has come under fire for a poor summer window, which saw the Hammers spend heavily on players who have failed to make an impact.
One of those players is Niklas Fullkrug, who could now be replaced by Muniz due to a long-term Achilles injury. Muniz has scored just four goals this season, but has crafted a reputation as a big game player with three of those efforts coming against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
While Muniz is an option for West Ham, Potter’s top target remains Ferguson. The Brighton striker debuted under Potter at the Seagulls and has since established himself as one of the most promising young players in the Premier League.
Ferguson’s potential arrival at the London Stadium would be a significant boost to West Ham’s attacking options, which have been depleted by injuries to Fullkrug and Michail Antonio. Antonio is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured leg in a horrific car crash.
As West Ham edges closer to signing a new striker, the club’s supporters will be eagerly awaiting news of the player’s potential arrival. With the January transfer window entering its final stages, the Hammers will be keen to complete the signing as soon as possible.
In other news, West Ham legend Tony Cottee has slammed the club’s hierarchy for their handling of the Julen Lopetegui saga. Lopetegui was sacked as West Ham manager earlier this month, just six months into his tenure.
Cottee, who played for West Ham between 1983 and 1988, was critical of the club’s decision to appoint Lopetegui in the first place. “I think they should hang their heads in shame; Tim Steidten and David Sullivan and the board because it’s just a pathetic appointment,” Cottee told talkSPORT.
“They should never have done it in the first place. It was just so the wrong appointment. You can blame Lopetegui. He’s been poor, he’s made bad decisions tactically, he’s been all over the place, they’ve spent lots of money.”
Cottee’s comments reflect the frustration felt by many West Ham supporters, who are eager to see the club return to its former glories. With the January transfer window entering its final stages, the Hammers will be keen to make the right signings to boost their chances of success in the second half of the season.
As the transfer saga continues to unfold, West Ham supporters will be keeping a close eye on developments. With the club’s hierarchy under pressure to deliver results, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the Hammers’ fortunes for the remainder of the season.
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