‘Unless someone is leaving like Bowen or Kudus’ – Pundit has his say on West Ham’s link with Europa League star. English pundit Dan Bardell has had his say on West Ham’s pursuit of UEFA Europa League final man-of-the-match Ademola Lookman.
Following his heroics in the Europa League final, reports emerged that the Hammers were pursuing a deal for the Atalanta forward, having identified him as a player who could fortify their squad.
It was reported that the new manager of the one-time UEFA Europa Conference League champions Julen Lopetegui and the club’s director Tim Steidten had identified him as the player that could add more threat to the left side of the attack.
The potential ban of Lucas Paquetá may have also influenced the report with the Brazilian at the risk of being suspended for 10 years if found guilty of spot-fixing in Premier League games.
Though right footed, Lookman can operate as a left winger and has played there occasionally for Atalanta, most notably in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, Bardell is of the opinion that West Ham don’t need the services of the Nigeria international particularly in the presence of Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
“I think his value has gone up by about £10m. I just look at him and think is he the type of player that, unless someone is leaving like Bowen or Kudus, West Ham should prioritise?
“I wouldn’t envisage him being a move that happens. I wouldn’t think that his position is a priority, that type of player for West Ham because unless someone leaves they already have very good options in there”
Lookman has made 44 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta this season and has 25 goal involvements which could have been more if not for his participation at the 2023 AfricaCup of Nations.
