EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey
West Ham could be busy in the January transfer window.
The Hammers need something to ignite their season after a miserable start under Julen Lopetegui – who currently has West Ham sat 14th in the Premier League ahead of Monday’s clash against Wolves.
West Ham have since become weaker in the attacking department after a terrible incident on Saturday, in which Michail Antonio broke his leg in a serious car accident – the Jamaica international has since undergone surgery on the lower leg fracture, but his return date is currently unknown.
The West Ham No.9 had appeared in all 14 Premier League games for the Hammers so far this season, so a replacement is necessary.
Now, sources have informed TBR Football that another attacker was scouted on Sunday in Baris Alper Yilmaz – with a January move possible.
West Ham watched Baris Alper Yilmaz score in Sivasspor 2-3 Galatasaray
TBR Football understand West Ham are long-term admirers of the Turkey international, and sent scouts to watch him play on Sunday.
Yilmaz scored the decisive goal for Galatasaray in the 53rd minute, securing a 3-2 win for the Turkish giants, who played 75 minutes with ten men after Metehan Baltacı was dismissed in just the 15th minute.
Sources have also informed TBR Football that the Galatasaray No.53 is open to a move to the Premier League in the New Year – although West Ham face fierce competition for his signature.
Baris Alper Yilmaz (53) of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring a goal during the Turkish Super Lig week 15 football match between Net Global Sivas...
Photo by Serhat Zafer/Anadolu via Getty Images
It is believed Liverpool, Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton were also present at the Sivas 4 Eylul Stadium on Sunday to watch Yilmaz, so the Hammers do not have a clear run at his services by any means.
The man born in Rize now has seven goals and one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions so far this season – a decent return considering he has been used in five different positions, including on the right of defence.
Yilmaz is valued at £25m by Galatasaray.
What Virgil van Dijk has previously said about Baris Alper Yilmaz
Virgil van Dijk is arguably the greatest defender of these times, but even he found life difficult against Yilmaz – who has been compared to Gareth Bale.
The Dutchman played against the Turk at UEFA Euro 2024 last summer in the quarter-final, where Turkey took a shock 1-0 lead in the 35th minute before ultimately losing 2-1.
Despite the defeat, Van Dijk was impressed with Yilmaz, saying: “Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”
Baris Alper Yilmaz (L) of Turkiye in action against Van Dijk of Netherlands during the UEFA EURO 2024 Quarter-Final football match between Netherla...
Photo by Oguz Yeter/Anadolu via Getty Images
Now, Van Dijk could be facing Yilmaz more often – if West Ham can pull off a January agreement.
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