Promise David may feel that a big-money summer transfer is still on the cards but, with the West Ham United-linked Union Saint-Gilloise striker facing a long spell on the sidelines, his suitors may see things differently.
It was reported ahead of the January transfer window that Canada international David was on the Hammers’ radar.
And while Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos would join instead, the uncertainty surrounding Callum Wilson’s future means there is still a chance West Ham United will be back in the striker market come the off-season.
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A graphic showing Tim Sherwood's quotes on West Ham United forward Taty Castellanos. It reads: "I don't see the merit in him."
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But as David suffered a hip injury expected to keep him out for up to five months – putting his World Cup involvement in jeopardy – the Londoners may be wise to stay clear.
West Ham United-linked Promise David faces months out
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, David is confident that he will bounce back stronger, like a quick-quipping Ryan Reynolds in a red and black mask.
“This is nothing more than a bump in the road,” the 24-year-old says. “The injury sucks, of course. The timing and severity of it too. But actually, I compare it to Deadpool. His superpower is that he heals extremely quickly, and that is how it feels for me too.”
Promise David in action for Union Saint-Gilloise against Galatasaray
Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images
David might not heal quickly enough, though, for West Ham to take a punt on a striker valued at £17.5 million.
“Have you ever broken anything or had a serious injury? It really is a strange feeling,” he adds. “I experienced what was happening to my body in slow motion. And I realised immediately that it was serious.
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“[But] why shouldn’t I be able to secure a big transfer this summer? This injury has no influence on what is going to happen next. I don’t think this will make clubs hesitate right now.”
Hammers’ injury fears ease with Pablo Felipe available again
The Londoners have, of course, walked away from transfers in the past due to concerns over a player’s fitness. Remember the Charlie Austin saga of 2015? Former England right-back Luke Young nearly joined West Ham too at one point.
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A graphic showing the lineup that West Ham United should pick against Aston Villa in the Premier League on 19/03/2026.
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A giant of a man at 6ft 5ins, Promise David has been labelled ‘the baby Lukaku’ by some back in Belgium; the Napoli forward’s homeland. He scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and had 15 in 37 during the current campaign before the injury struck.
West Ham do, at least, have their own injury-hit centre-forward available again.
Pablo Felipe could make only his second top-flight start since January when the Hammers travel to Aston Villa on Sunday. Pablo has not scored in six Premier League games so far, though his impact – especially out of possession – should not be understated.
Nuno is still without Crysencio Summerville, however.
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