westhamzone.com

West Ham take steps to sign £20m+ striker in January, gave Virgil van Dijk a tough time - report

West Ham United badge, Tim Steidten

West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten. (Credit: Imago)

Pranav Shahaney

Tue 10 December 2024 12:10, UK

West Ham have taken steps to sign Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton target Baris Asper Yilmaz in the January transfer window, according to TBR.

The news outlet reported on 9 December that the Hammers made it a point to send scouts to watch him on Sunday as they’re eyeing a new striker in January after forward Michail Antonio’s horrific injury.

The Hammers have been struggling for goals this season and find themselves on the wrong end of the table.

Baris Asper Yilmaz may be a quality arrival for West Ham

It’s understood that any deal to sign the 24-year-old Turkey international will cost the Hammers a fee of around £25million.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk raved over Yilmaz at the EUROs over the summer and admitted that he was a handful to play against.

MORE WEST HAM STORIES

He said: “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.”

The Dutchman is regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe and if the Turkish striker is capable of giving him a run for his money, he could terrify defences in the Premier League.

It’s undoubtedly going to be a significant outlay for the Hammers, especially given how much they’ve spent on Niclas Fullkrug in the summer.

The board may not be willing to sanction big money on yet another striker, but a change of manager may see them giving into his demands.

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

There are certainly big decisions that the board needs to make in the coming weeks or it’s another season that will be written off.

In other West Ham news, a new twist has emerged in Graham Potter’s potential move to the London Stadium.

For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Related Posts

Read full news in source page