After being linked with pretty much every striker under the sun, the closest that West Ham has come to a transfer in the forward department is the impending sale of Enner Valencia to Lazio.
Rumours about the possible arrival of top class strikers like Alexandre Lacazette, Jamie Vardy, Carlos Bacca and (quite sensationally) Gonzalo Higuain had the Hammers faithful satisfied that a marquee addition to the forward department could be signed before the first game at the new Olympic Stadium.
But with the latest apparent rejection by Bacca, West Ham’s chances at a world-class centre-forward seems to grow smaller and smaller – but at least the club’s ambition can clearly be seen.
Which makes the news that West Ham have been linked with French star Wissam Ben Yedder slightly underwhelming, right?
Wrong.
With the multiple rejections by so many forwards who think themselves (at the moment) too big for the club, West Ham would be wise to sign the hugely underrated Ben Yedder.
The diminutive forward has proved himself to be clinical, and his 17 goals and five assists in 35 league games for Toulouse seems even more impressive when you consider that statistic means he was involved in roughly half of the total goals scored by his team in the 15-16 campaign.
The Frenchman would relish the chance at linking up with in-form compatriot Dimitri Payet, and his goal tally could prove decisive for any push for success that the Hammers may attempt. And at the age of 25, there is plenty of potential in him.
Finally, Ben Yedder (who is in the last year of his contract) could be available for around nine million euros, and with surprisingly low interest in him, could represent a less of a gamble for Bilic’s men than throwing huge sums of money at almost-30 strikers like Vardy, Bacca and Higuain.
So here’s hoping that the Hammers finally get their striker.
Shanith de Mel
Roar Rookie
That is quite true........... the chairmen do tend to count their proverbial chickens before they hatch, but they are very shrewd negotiators regardless of their shambolic use of social media, and I have confidence in their ability to make the right choices for the club.
Tom Watson
Roar Rookie
This whole striker situation has been bloody frustrating, especially given the cryptic remarks from Jack towards the end of last season re. Batshuayi. I have total faith in the Dave's and their ability in the transfer market, but part of me wishes they would keep everything under wraps until we've actually got someone coming in.
Tom Watson
Roar Rookie
I like your optimism, but do you really think we can crack 7 again? I have no doubt that we'll be in and around there, but it would still be quite an effort.
Shanith de Mel
Roar Rookie
Top Half is definitely the bare minimum- in fact, the club have indicated that they (quite ambitiously) are looking towards the top 4, and with a strong squad already in place, nothing less than the top half would suffice. However with the expected resurgence of Chelsea and Liverpool, I would say that a top 7 finish is the most likely outcome.
JohnV
Guest
What are the reasonable expectations for Hammers fans in the upcoming season, with or without said striker? Top half?
Shanith de Mel
Roar Rookie
While Ben Yedder's transfer looks only speculative at this point, Calleri has reportedly agreed a loan move and could be on his way. I agree with your comments on a top striker, with so many rejections it looks unlikely that one will join. At this point, Berahino (also with 1 year left on his contract) could be a straight swap for Sakho but there remains the question of his attitude, which for me suggests that Bilic will not go in for him. Finally, Valencia plus cash could secure Ayew, who could be a great deal for West Ham.
bobbym
Guest
Fornaroli to west ham.
arthur gillett
Guest
I would forget the big money striker as the odds are all the teams with champions league places would probably be preferred.# I would take a chance on yedder and bring in jonathan caller on loan. then with our 2 departing strikers I would try to offer sakho plus cash for berahino or swap Valencia for ayew who played with payet at marseille