West Ham United are reportedly in a state of urgency to bolster their attacking options this winter, with their first move for a key target already hitting a stumbling block.
Hammers' Striker Search Intensifies
According to reports from Hammers News, the London club is 'desperate' to sign a new striker during the upcoming January transfer window. This need has been amplified by a difficult start to the season under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with the team looking to secure their Premier League status.
The urgency follows a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on the weekend of 1st December 2025, a match which also saw star midfielder Lucas Paqueta sent off. Nuno lamented his side's lack of cutting edge, stating, "the accuracy of the final pass, cross or shot just wasn't there."
Opening Bid for Brazilian Rejected
The club's primary focus appears to be Marcos Leonardo, the 22-year-old Brazilian currently playing for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. West Ham have already seen an opening bid for the forward rejected by his club.
Leonardo is a product of the famed Santos academy, where he broke into the first team in 2020. He made 168 appearances for the Brazilian side, scoring an impressive 54 goals. After a brief stint with Benfica in 2023, where he scored eight times, he moved to Al-Hilal in September 2024.
His form in the Middle East has been exceptional, with 37 goals in 52 outings for the Riyadh-based club. He signed a long-term contract until June 2029, making any transfer a significant financial undertaking.
What a Deal Would Mean for West Ham
Securing Leonardo would represent a major coup for Nuno Espirito Santo as he seeks to put his stamp on the squad. The Brazilian's potential arrival would provide vital competition and depth in attack, an area where the Hammers have struggled for consistency.
It could also facilitate the departure of other forwards, with reports suggesting it may allow Niclas Fullkrug to leave the club. Al-Hilal, however, are under no pressure to sell. The club, which boasts stars like Darwin Nunez and Ruben Neves, finished second in the league last season and will demand a substantial fee for their prolific attacker.
With a busy schedule of away fixtures against Manchester United and Brighton looming, the need for reinforcements is clear. Whether West Ham's hierarchy can meet Al-Hilal's valuation in January remains the pivotal question for fans desperate for a new goal threat.
