West Ham United are to launch a £29million bid for Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz in the coming days, according to Sabah.
The Turkish outlet reported, as per Sporx [17 July], that the Hammers were impressed by the player’s performances at Euro 2024 as Turkey finished second in Group F, containing Portugal, Georgia and Czechia.
It is understood, however, that the Galatasaray hierarchy do not intend to sell the 24-year-old striker, who is currently away on holiday after his exertions in Germany.
Galatasaray braced for West Ham United bid as Baris Alper Yilmaz impresses
Julen Lopetegui is still on the search for a new forward and Yilmaz could be the player to fit the bill at the London Stadium this summer.
Although Yilmaz, who can play anywhere across the frontline, was unable to score during Turkey’s run to the Euro 2024 quarter-final, it was his all-round play that clearly impressed the London side.
The forward finished the 2023/24 Super Lig season with six goals and six assists in 37 appearances, earning his call-up to the national team, where he has won 20 caps so far.
While versatile winger Yilmaz looks to be a promising talent, the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus already occupy very similar positions on the pitch, which could see him have a role on the bench.
If Lopetegui is on the search for an out-and-out striker, to provide depth to the duo of Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, a move for AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham or Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri [Sport] seem like better options.
While the latter is hoping to prove himself to the new manager during pre-season, Antonio’s recent injury record could force the Hammers into the transfer market this summer.
Yilmaz clearly has the potential, with 11 goals and 14 assists in 108 Galatasaray appearances, but £29m seems like a lot to splash on a forward who finished Euro 2024 without a goal contribution.
