West Ham United’s need for a new striker has become impossible to ignore.
Despite scoring six goals across their last two matches, the Hammers have been blunt in attack for most of the campaign.
Lucas Paquetá leads the scoring charts with four from midfield, Jarrod Bowen has three from wide areas, but the centre-forwards have simply not delivered — Callum Wilson has only two goals, while Niclas Füllkrug is still waiting for his first.
With Nuno Espírito Santo pushing hard for a new No.9 in January, one target appears to have nudged the door open himself.
Stassin Hints at West Ham Move
Lucas Stassin. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)
Lucas Stassin. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)
Reports in France last week suggested that West Ham are eyeing Saint-Étienne striker Lucas Stassin for the upcoming window.
Jeunes Footeux claimed the Hammers have shown interest, while the Ligue 2 club are said to be demanding over €30 million for the 19-year-old — a powerful forward who has been compared stylistically to Romelu Lukaku.
Stassin netted 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season and has scored four already this term.
Now, the Belgian has spoken publicly about his future.
In an interview with Gazet van Antwerpen, per Sports Witness, Stassin admitted he found it frustrating to miss out on a senior Belgium call-up and revealed he was unable to leave in the summer due to Saint-Étienne placing a high asking price on him after their relegation.
He also made it clear that the next few weeks will be decisive.
“That depends on what happens with Saint-Étienne. If we get promoted, I’ll be playing in Ligue 1 again. If not, we’ll see,” Stassin said.
“Do I have to leave? No, definitely not. But it will depend on what happens in the coming weeks.”
GVA reiterated reports of West Ham’s interest, noting that, for now, they remain “just rumours” — but crucially, Stassin himself did little to rule out an exit.
“I love the big five leagues. If I ever get the chance to explore a new league, I’m open to it,” he said.
“But the most important thing is to play at the highest level again as soon as possible. That’s what every footballer wants.”
With West Ham desperate for firepower and Stassin clearly open to a step up, there’s a “chance” this rumour grows louder as January approaches.