There is a new striker target on West Ham’s list for the January transfer window Hammers News can exclusively reveal.
Hammers News exclusive
West Ham were already looking to sign a new striker in the January transfer window – that was before Michail Antonio’s car crash.
The club has confirmed this week they acknowledge they need to sign a ‘top level striker’.
Given Danny Ings just hasn’t worked out and will be leaving when his contract, realistically the Hammers will need to sign at least two new forwards in the next two windows.
West Ham’s owners may get away with bringing in one in January to get through to the end of the season, though.
Especially as there is uncertainty over Niclas Fullkrug’s future.
Fullkrug is unsettled in England and wants to leave West Ham according to a top board source.
The big German has not been shy in making that pretty clear himself, though.
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Fullkrug had an X-rated response when describing his move to West Ham in an interview this week.
The 31-year-old was also whining about the risks he took to join a club with no European football.
With Antonio out for at least a year and facing possible retirement, Ings set to leave in June and Fullkrug’s future unclear – it’s obvious West Ham have to act on signing a forward in next month’s window.
Emmanuel Latte Lath of Middlesbrough celebrates putting Middlesbrough 2-0 up during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Luton ...
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Hammers on hunt for new striker in January
West Ham confirmed interest in Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to Hammers News recently.
But West Ham don’t believe ‘Boro will sell as they are chasing promotion.
The club are also interested in the situation of out of favour Brighton forward Evan Ferguson having dropped down the pecking order at the Amex.
The Irons are also keen to explore a deal for PSG flop Randal Kolo Muani.
Hammers News exclusively revealed David Sullivan’s sons have been urging him to bring Liam Delap to West Ham.
But the club appreciate they may have to wait until the summer before Ipswich consider selling.
Now there is a major West Ham transfer update as a new striker target for the January window is named.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has shared a detailed update on the club’s targets.
It seems Tim Steidten is scouring all corners of the globe in search of a new forward – quite literally.
Targets include players from Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, Africa and even a Costa Rican playing in Russia.
Bailey has strong contacts at ‘Boro and believes they could be tempted to sell Lath if the Hammers hit the right number.
He has poured doubt on a deal for Ferguson but believes a Brazilian who has been linked with the Hammers in the past is back on the radar.
The transfer insider also claims West Ham are one of several clubs looking at Spartak Moscow starlet Manfred Ugalde.
Manfred Ugalde of FC Twente celebrates the win during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Twente and AZ at Grolsch Veste on January 13, 2024 in E...
Photo by Peter Lous/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Major update as Ugalde named new West Ham target
A 22-year-old Costa Rica international, Ugalde has 16 goals in 22 games for Spartak this season and used to play for FC Twente.
“Brazilian wise I think Yuri Alberto more likely (than Botafogo’s Igor Jesus) given who is doing the deal plus he is available on a loan deal,” Bailey told Hammers News.
“Not a cheap loan deal, but still a bit easier than most and they have done plenty of work on him before.
“Will Salthouse is trying to do Lath – every player has his price, ‘Boro would take £25m for him – they have Conway, who is better really but if they did it early enough they could do it.
“Obviously West Ham would love Jhon Duran and if they sold Mohammed Kudus etc. But it’s hard to imagine that now.
“I think like with Julen Lopetegui – they could try and get to end of the season without doing anything.
“Brighton insist that they won’t let Ferguson out.
“Another name I would drop in would be Manfred Ugalde – Spartak Moscow lad with £25m release clause – almost every club in Europe is looking at this kid who is on fire this season!
“And the guys who did the Edson Alvarez deal are still pushing Santiago Gimenez – but a January deal looks very tough for him.”
You can check out Ugalde in the obligatory YouTube compilation video above.
An exciting update indeed on the striker front.
West Ham must bring someone in if they are serious about turning this dreadful season around.
Any one of those forwards mentioned would improve the squad.
Ugalde and Lath fit the profile of player the club should be looking to sign most, though.
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