West Ham 'leading the race' to sign 33-goal Champions League striker with Leeds United and Wolves circling
West Ham are reportedly interested in signing a striker in the January transfer window, and are linked to a Champions League star.
West Ham’s fortunes have really improved under Nuno Espirito Santo; they have won two of their last three games, with the most recent being a 2-2 draw against a tough Bournemouth side.
The Hammers saw two goals come from Callum Wilson, who joined in the summer for free, as Nuno may have finally found a reliable striker option, something that West Ham have been crying out for over the past five years. However, Wilson is 33 years old and has only signed a one-year contract, so they need a younger replacement.
Fresh reports are suggesting that West Ham are considering a Champions League striker who has scored as many league goals as Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta so far this season.
West Ham keen on Promise David
Based on fresh reports, West Ham are considering signing a striker from the Belgian league, who has been impressing both in Belgium and in the Champions League this season. 24-year-old Promise David has scored six in the league and two goals in Europe for Union SG.
He has an estimated market value of around just £11m; however, his performances this season are likely to drive up the Belgian club’s asking price. According to TeamTalk, West Ham and Leeds United are both interested in David, and Union SG could be tempted to accept offers above £17.5m, which is a bargain price for a proven Champions League goal-scorer.
David has been at Union SG for just a year and a half, and he’s already scored 33 goals in 61 games for the Belgian club. He has also added five assists to his resume. David would be a great option for West Ham as he has pace and power, something that this Hammers squad is seriously lacking.
Which other strikers are West Ham considering?
Former Brentford star Ivan Toney is attracting some interest in the Premier League amid reports suggesting he could potentially return to England in January. Toney moved from Brentford to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in summer 2024, he has since scored 41 goals in 61 games for the club.
Toney’s Premier League record speaks for itself, as he has scored 36 goals in 83 games for Brentford, and so the England international would be a reliable striker option for West Ham. Reports have said that the Hammers are keen, and that Toney could command a fee of around £22m based on his market value.
Their choice could be between a younger, more promising and potentially athletic option in David, or they could opt for experience and proven talent with the 29-year-old former Brentford and Newcastle United star. Either way, Nuno will be desperate to sign a striker, and either would help him keep the Hammers in the Premier League, which is the main objective.