Lucky escape for West Ham as Leeds target £40m move for £78k-a-week attacker. West Ham United could be given a big helping hand by Leeds United this summer.
That’s because Leeds are said to have joined the race to sign one of West Ham‘s transfer targets – someone who I think would be a poor signing for us. Graham Potter has to bring some top quality players to the London Stadium this summer.
The Hammers head coach is said to be planning a big squad overhaul at West Ham during the off-season.
And there are three main positions he needs to address – striker, central midfield and centre-back. It could be argued that the addition of an elite striker should be the Hammers’ main priority in the summer.
However, we should be steering well clear of our latest transfer target as far as I’m concerned.
West Ham to battle Leeds for Rasmus Hojlund
So it seems like Leeds could be set to challenge the Hammers for the signing of Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund in the summer transfer window. According to a report from On The Minute, Leeds have joined West Ham in the race for the £40 million-rated centre-forward’s signature.
The Hammers have been linked with a move to sign Hojlund over the past couple of weeks.
You might think that West Ham would easily be able to overpower Leeds in the transfer market.
I’m just not sure that’s the case.
The Whites will most likely be fresh off promotion in the summer, and the riches that come along with that will put them in a very strong position indeed. Hojlund, who earns £78k-a-week at Old Trafford (Salary Sport), has struggled to establish himself with Man United.
Who knows, perhaps he will go on to become a top striker in the future, but I really don’t think he’s the man we need to lead the line for us next season. So in fact, the competition from Leeds for the Dane’s signature is actually not a bad thing.
Leeds could save West Ham from making Rasmus Hojlund mistake
In my opinion, the Hammers need a super mobile centre-forward, but someone with a real physical presence as well.
Evan Ferguson could be the man for the job, if he rediscovers the form he showed for Brighton from the 2022/23 season.
The Irishman is only 20 remember, so he has plenty of levels still to reach. There is undoubtedly a top tier striker in there somewhere, and I think Potter is capable of extracting the very best from him.
Potter’s system is reliant on a physical presence through the middle to occupy opposing defenders, but whoever the striker is needs to be gifted technically as well.
I just can’t envisage Rasmus Hojlund succeeding in a Graham Potter side, and West Ham should just let Leeds have the 22-year-old if they really want him.
