West Ham United want to sign Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis this summer after scouts watched him several times, according to Giannis Chorianopoulos.
Writing on his personal X account (22 April), the Greek journalist reports that the Hammers have watched the 24-year-old striker more than once this season.
And they are one of more than 10 clubs to show an interest in the 23-goal striker, but no offer has been received yet from any club from the Greek Super League side.
“West Ham scouted more than once Panathinaikos and Greece international striker Fotis Ioannidis,” he wrote.
“Not an offer yet. By any club, but lots of interest. More than 10 clubs have already expressed their interest.”
West Ham United plotting summer transfer window despite manager situation
The current management situation at the London Stadium means that it should be rather difficult for the club to plan for the summer transfer window at the same time.
However, it seems as though the recruitment department are moving ahead with their plans of identifying targets for the club regardless of who the manager will be.
David Moyes looks sure to be leaving now, while Ruben Amorim has emerged as a target and reportedly turned the role down in the span of just 24 hours, which means the club are no closer to a solution.
❗️ West Ham scouted more than once Panathinaikos and Greece international striker Fotis Ioannidis. Not an offer yet. By any club but lots of interest. More than 10 clubs have already express their interest 🟢@WestHam @paofc_#WHUFC #Panathinaikos #paofc
But regardless of the manager a new striker is simply a necessity for the squad and Ioannidis, who was described by journalist Alan Nixon as a “Greek goal God”, could be the perfect fit.
He’s big, strong, has a fantastic eye for goal, links the play with midfielders well and is young enough to not cost a bomb and still have re-sale value. It’s a win-win, but the Hammers will have to be quick to beat off the competition for his signature.
