Julen Lopetegui’s admiration of top Premier League striker could make West Ham’s window extremely interesting.
By far the biggest contributor to West Ham’s poor second-half of the season is their thin squad. Whether you blame David Moyes, the board or Tim Steidten, the facts are that there is every chance the Hammers could have secured a fourth consecutive season of European football had they recruited properly in January.
In almost every position, they lack depth and competition. While this has always been an issue, this year is by far the weakest the squad as a whole has been, despite having a great starting XI. However, one position in particular has been the route of so many problems for years now – the striker.
Michail Antonio has been a sensational player over the years, and he has found his form once again as of late, but this doesn’t mask the fact that he needs to be replaced. Thankfully, the club looks determined to get the singing right this Summer.
There have been a number of options reported, but one of the ones that has stuck out the most is Ivan Toney. The Englishman has experienced his fair share of controversies, from his betting scandal to how he constantly belittles Brentford. However, there can be no mistaking just how good of a striker he is.
Interestingly, according to Claret and Hugh, Moyes’ likely successor Julen Lopetegui is a huge fan of Toney. Given how he will not take any stick from the board, as he has shown previously at Wolves, could we see the Hammers go all out for Brentford’s star man?
The Bees aren’t expected to charge a particular high price for the 28-year-old as he only has a year remaining on his contract. While he has consistently stated he wants to play for a “top club”, we have seen how Steidten can convince a player of the West Ham project before. Perhaps he can be convinced by the proposition of helping the Hammers become European regulars again.
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