West Ham United are seventh in the Premier League despite playing the season without an in-form centre-forward.
David Moyes’ priority for the summer transfer window will be to add a quality No.9 to his ranks and the perfect door seems to have opened for the Scotsman to do just that
Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson has enjoyed a breakout season in Serie A this season which culminated in a remarkable performance in the recent Euro 2024 playoffs. His four goals across two goals were not enough to fire Iceland to Germany, though.
Gudmundsson’s achievements on the international scene, though, did bring into focus his achievements at club level. For mid-table Genoa, he has struck 10 Serie A goals this season in 27 appearances. No player out of the top seven teams has more.
It has been quite an achievement given he scored only 10 goals in Serie B last term, but it also reflects how well he has adapted to a new, more central, role after being primarily used as a winger last term.
And Fabrizio Romano says the forward, who spent time at Arsenal as a youngster, could be up for sale.
“Genoa anticipate important bids for Albert Gudmundsson this summer after excellent season — but haven’t started concrete talks with any club yet,” he wrote on X.
“Price tag expected to be around €25/30m and Genoa could also be open to include players in the deal.”
West Ham ideal for Gudmundsson
Most encouragingly for West Ham, Gudmundsson would be an excellent fit for David Moyes side.
Data analytics experts SciSports rate the Hammers as his best transfer destination using their Club Fit model, which is based around various around numerous factors, including potential development, playing time, formation and style.
West Ham are given a Club Fit score of 82, which is well clear of any other realistic options. Wolves are Gudmundsson’s next-best Premier League option, yet they score just 74, offering a significantly poorer development opportunities.
There’s a lot to like about Gudmundsson from a West Ham perspective, from his quick rate of improvement to his relatively cheap price point, but most of all the goals that he promises.
