West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has seemingly cast his net wide in his search for a new striker, with reports suggesting a surprising preference for young talent over a familiar face.
The Spaniard, who since his arrival, has been linked with two potential targets:
Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla): A player Lopetegui managed during his successful stint at Sevilla.
Samu Omorodion (Atlético Madrid): A highly-rated 20-year-old returning from a loan spell at Alavés.
While a reunion with En-Nesyri might have seemed a natural fit, Spanish outlet Mucho Deporte reports that West Ham are currently prioritising the signing of Omorodion.
Several factors appear to be driving this decision:
Long-Term Potential: At just 20 years old, Omorodion represents a future investment with significant room for growth and development.
Tactical Alignment: Lopetegui believes Omorodion’s skillset aligns perfectly with his planned attacking system at West Ham, possibly favouring a tall and imposing number nine like Omorodion.
Unlocking Potential: Lopetegui sees the opportunity to further enhance Omorodion’s performances under his guidance, having witnessed his talent firsthand in Spain.
West Ham’s current offer of €29 million with €10 million in potential bonuses falls short of Atlético Madrid’s €40 million asking price. This price tag reflects Atlético’s desire to use the funds generated from the sale to pursue their own target, Artem Dovbyk.
Despite the financial hurdle, Lopetegui‘s clear interest in Omorodion remains a key factor. His strong backing for the young striker suggests a potential long-term solution for West Ham’s attacking woes.
With the focus firmly on Omorodion, En-Nesyri’s potential arrival at the London Stadium seems to be on hold for now.
