With [Niclas Füllkrug’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/just-like-fullkrug-west-ham-eye-german-wonderkid-after-u21-euro-heroics/) injury currently under assessment by West Ham’s medical team, the club could be facing a serious shortage up front.
Should the issue prove significant, the Hammers would be left with Callum Wilson and academy prospects Callum Marshall and Daniel Cummings—who is also sidelined—as their only recognised strikers. Jarrod Bowen may be called upon as a makeshift option if needed.
With the transfer window now closed, West Ham may turn to the free agent market to bolster their attacking options.
Martin has already covered some of this in an earlier article yet the club could cast their net further and look at other targets.
While former Spain international Paco Alcácer has reportedly been ruled out, several intriguing names have surfaced.
Mario Balotelli, Isaac Success, and Vincent Aboubakar are potential candidates. Balotelli has previously been offered to the club, though former manager Manuel Pellegrini was hesitant due to concerns over the Italian’s temperament.
Success, once a £12.5 million signing for Watford from Udinese in 2016, managed just three goals in 64 appearances during his time in England.
Of the trio, Aboubakar appears the most compelling. The Cameroonian veteran boasts over 112 international caps and at 33 years old, remains a physical presence up front. He netted 18 goals in 38 appearances for Beşiktaş during the 2023/24 campaign. Yet reports suggest he is on the verge of signing for Iranian team Esteghal Tehran.
None of these players are match fit and would need time to reach full readiness.
Which means Michail Antonio may be quietly hoping for a call to return to the fold. Antonio has been working hard on his rehabilitation for some time. His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by the club.
Still, the most likely scenario is that West Ham will stick with their current squad and reassess in January. In the meantime, young Callum Marshall will be eager to seize any opportunity to break into the first team and make his mark.
I along with many Hammers fans hope this is the route the club chooses.