The 2024/25 season was a campaign where West Ham United struggled in front of goal. Of course, it was not exactly plain sailing last season, with two different managers taking charge at the London Stadium. Yet, the 46 goals scored by the Hammers last term is certainly a disappointing figure.
That has not been helped by the fact that the East Londoners lost one of their main creative sources this summer. Mohammed Kudus joined London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for a £55m fee. Losing a player as influential as the Ghanaian in the final third was certainly a blow to the Hammers.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
After the sale of the versatile attacker, West Ham are linked with a new forward who could step into the shoes of Kudus next season.
West Ham’s Kudus replacement
Although it is a shame that Kudus’ time at the London Stadium has come to an end, it does mean that Graham Potter can sign an attacking player of his own to the Hammers squad, with Southampton's Mateus Fernandes emerging as a leading target.
The £50m-rated Saints starlet isn't the only option being considered, however, with Simon Jones of The Mail reporting that the Hammers are one of the sides in the race to sign Brighton and Hove Albion attacker Facundo Buonanotte.
They are said to be ‘showing interest’ in a move for the forward, who the Seagulls ‘are prepared to allow’ a loan move for.
This will not be a straightforward deal to complete. The 20-year-old is subject to interest from Bundesliga sides Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. Reports earlier in the summer suggested that a €40m (£34m) price was quoted to Dortmund for a permanent move.
Facundo Buonanotte
However, a loan is more likely now, with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Spurs all interested, too.
Why Buonanotte would be a good signing
Despite their relegation last term, Buonanotte spent the entirety of the 2024/25 season on loan at Leicester City. He impressed for the Foxes in spite of their poor form, and it is clear to see why the Hammers would like to add him to their ranks.
Buonanotte-spurs-leicester-brighton
The 20-year-old attacker, who can play as a number ten or off the right, played 35 games for the Foxes last term. In that time, he managed to find the back of the net six times and assist a further three goals.
The former Rosario Central star has also shone for the Seagulls in limited opportunities. He’s played 50 times, but featured for just 2493 minutes, the equivalent of 27 full 90-minute games. In that time, Buonanotte has bagged five goals and assisted two.
Replacing Kudus will not be easy for the youngster, but perhaps his “left foot made of gold”, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, will help him.
Indeed, the former Hammers attacker was praised for his “wand of a left foot” by TNT Sport commentator Don Hutchison back in 2023.
kudus-west-ham-united
Kudus actually had a similar season to Buonanotte last term. In 35 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers, the 25-year-old scored five goals and grabbed four assists.
Like the Brighton star, he played on the right-hand side, as a number ten and also on the left.
The underlying stats between the two players from last season are neck and neck, too. For example, Buonanotte averaged 1.42 key passes and 3.2 progressive passes per 90 minutes.
In comparison, new Spurs man Kudus averaged 1.08 key passes and 2.74 progressive passes each game.
Buonanotte and Kudus key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Goals and assists
Key passes
Progressive passes
Goal-creating actions
Ball recoveries
Stats from FBref
All the evidence suggests that Buonanotte could indeed become Potter’s new Kudus next season. The youngster is remarkably similar when it comes to the data, and the fact that both are number ten's with a deadly left foot further upholds the comparison.
Facundo-Buonanotte-leeds-transfer-gossip-hernandez
Even though this is likely to be a loan deal, it could be a fantastic piece of business for the Hammers and the perfect Kudus replacement.