West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo is pushing for a new striker in the January transfer window, but the club faces a critical decision that could define their Premier League season.
The Striker Search Intensifies
With the January window approaching, West Ham continue to be linked with moves for several forwards worldwide. Nuno has begun stabilising the team since replacing Graham Potter, yet the London Stadium lacks a consistent, prolific goalscorer.
While Callum Wilson scored twice against AFC Bournemouth, his age of 33 years and injury-prone nature mean his minutes must be carefully managed. The Hammers are expected to cut their losses on Niclas Fullkrug, whose £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund has yielded just three goals amid repeated injuries.
Learning from Costly Transfer Mistakes
West Ham's history with Fullkrug serves as a stark warning ahead of potential January moves for Inter Milan's Pio Esposito or Cruzeiro's Kaio Jorge. Esposito would require an outlay exceeding £42 million, while Jorge is available for a reported £22 million fee, a figure West Ham are reportedly willing to pay.
Esposito has managed a goal and two assists in three Champions League starts despite limited league minutes. Jorge has impressed with 21 goals in the Brazilian league. However, the club must resist falling into the familiar trap where goalscoring exploits abroad fail to translate into Premier League form.
The Proven Premier League Alternative
This pattern has recently affected Premier League rivals, with Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres and Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko struggling for consistency despite prolific campaigns before their moves.
West Ham's precarious league position demands a new striker who can make an immediate impact. Any signing requiring six months to adapt could prove useless if the club faces a relegation battle.
Nuno and the recruitment team would be wiser targeting players with proven Premier League goalscoring records, even if slightly less prolific statistically. Potential options include Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, who needs minutes ahead of the World Cup, Brentford's Ivan Toney, or even Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee, who at least possesses Premier League experience.
In other news, West Ham are reportedly leading the race to sign a 33-goal Champions League striker, with competition from Leeds United and Wolves.
