After a turbulent start to the campaign, West Ham United’s search for goals remains one of their biggest concerns.
The early weeks under Graham Potter produced just a handful of strikes, while even under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo — despite clear signs of improvement and renewed intensity — the Hammers continue to lack a genuine, clinical No.9.
Callum Wilson has struggled to find rhythm, Jarrod Bowen can’t shoulder the entire attacking burden, and with Michail Antonio still sidelined, Nuno is already assessing his options ahead of January.
Now, it appears the club could once again turn to Brazil in an effort to fix their goal-scoring woes.
West Ham Preparing Roque Bid
Vitor Roque. (REUTERS/Thiago Bernardes)
Vitor Roque. (REUTERS/Thiago Bernardes)
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, West Ham are lining up a move for Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque, with a £35 million bid reportedly being prepared for the 20-year-old.
Roque’s career so far has been something of a whirlwind. Signed by Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense for around £26 million, the highly rated youngster struggled for consistent minutes at Camp Nou and was later loaned to Real Betis, where he also failed to find his footing.
Palmeiras took advantage of the situation earlier this year, paying a record-breaking £22.2 million to bring him back to Brazil — a fee that could still rise by another £4.4 million through performance-based add-ons, making it the most expensive domestic transfer in Brazilian football history.
Since his return home, Roque has rediscovered the electric form that made him one of South America’s most exciting attacking prospects. Under manager Abel Ferreira, he’s bagged 13 goals and four assists this season, playing a vital role in Palmeiras’ push for the Série A title.
Despite the ups and downs of his European adventure, Roque’s raw ability remains undeniable. South American football expert Johannes Skiba, speaking to Transfermarkt, praised the young striker’s unique blend of power and pace.
“The combination of his dynamic, speed, and deadliness in the box make him a dangerous counter-attacking player,” he said. “He has the confidence to get past stronger defenders. Vitor Roque’s ability to drive the ball is outstanding. He is a fun player to watch.”
Still only 20 and already showing maturity beyond his years, Roque could be the kind of long-term investment West Ham need to solve their striker problem — if they can win the race for his signature.