Potter needs a new strikerPotter needs a new striker
Potter needs a new striker | Getty Images
West Ham are said to be in ‘talks’ over a striker deal with the early window already nearing an end.
Potter hoped to go into the new season with momentum after his first half-season in charge, but disappointing performances from his men mean he will likely be walking a relatively tight rope from the off. But the club will give Potter money to spend this summer to allow him to put his own spin on the current squad, which is largely designed for Julen Lopetegui.
The Irons decided not to strengthen significantly in January, settling for the loan signing of Evan Ferguson who is not likely to stick around long term. That means West Ham now need a striker ahead of the new season, and it’s not clear which direction they will go, keeping in mind Niclas Fullkrug will be hoping to enjoy a better run of fitness next season.
One report from CaughtOffside has suggested that the Hammers are considering the signing of another German striker. It’s claimed Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade is being eyed and that talks have already begun. Woltemade scored 17 goals and assisted three in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, and interest is building in the 23-year-old’s services.
It’s claimed Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested, but the Gunners are likely to go with a higher profile player like Benjamin Sesko, while it remains to be seen where Liverpool will go, clearly focusing on the German market this summer. West Ham could have an advantage over Arsenal, in particular, given they are likely to go elsewhere, and it may well help to have Fullkrug around to welcome a fellow German national.
Woltemade is under contract until 2028 and valued at £25.3million by Transfermarkt.
Woltemade may yet stay
One factor that can’t be ruled out is that Woltemade is a self-confessed boyhood fan of Stuttgart despite being from Bremen. He told the club’s website last summer: “When I was moving, I actually came across old photos of training that I'd taken with my camera, with Cacau and Mario Gomez there. I can still remember how I felt back then.
"The connection comes from my family, as some of them live nearby. My father was and still is a big VfB fan, as is my grandad, so VfB was always a club that I followed closely, along with Werder Bremen. When we visited family down here, we always went to the stadium. That's why it's always been my dream to play for VfB. My father's delighted that I'm here."
Fullkrug hoping for better
West Ham’s current striker Fullkrug struggled with injury in his first season, but he says he wants better next term. I'm looking forward to my second year in the Premier League. My first wasn't the best,” the forward said.
"I like the style and hope to do better next season. The Premier League is dynamic and physical. Teams follow their own path, go head-to-head with an open visor. It's more of a direct power struggle. I'm happy there. I read reports suggesting I'm not, but that's not the case. I'm back to a good fitness level and can't wait for next season.”
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