When West Ham United youngster Callum Marshall joined VFL Bochum on loan during the January transfer window, he arrived at a club with Bundesliga ambitions.
Bochum were on the coattails of the play-offs in Germany’s second-tier. Four months and 14 2.Bundesliga appearances later, however, the Northern Ireland international finds himself closer to the relegation zone than the top-six.
Marshall made an ‘exceptional’ first impression at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. A dramatic late equaliser on his debut in a 3-3 draw with Paderborn represented a dream start upon which the West Ham United loanee was determined to build.
What would these new FIFA proposals mean for West Ham? 🤔
Clubs may be forced to have one U21 player on the pitch at all times…
Only one more goal has come in the following 13 matches, however.
Bochum have won just four of those, and head coach Uwe Rosler was asked ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off against Arminia Bielefeld to sum up Callum Marshall’s up-and-down stint on the banks of the Rhine.
West Ham United loanee Callum Marshall has seen the goals dry up at Bochum
Rosler, the former Leeds, Brentford and Wigan Athletic boss, admits that Marshall is ‘having a bit of a tough time’. On the upside, two assists in a recent 4-1 thrashing of Eintracht Braunschweig means the Manchester City icon is still holding out hope of a late-season revival.
“He’s only 21 years old; a young player who has his ups and downs,” Rosler told WAZ. “Right now, he’s having a bit of a tough time.
“He’s really keen to score again. He’s a typical goalscorer. He defines himself by goals. I’m trying to take the pressure off him. It’s important that you continue to show the energy on the pitch that you’ve displayed since day one.
“He will have a very important role to play in Bielefeld.”
How much do West Ham need a new STRIKER?
Bochum are only six points off the relegation zone. Arminia, another side with a top-flight past, are also glancing nervously over their own shoulders.
Interestingly, Callum Marshall left the door open to a permanent Bochum stay during happier times in Germany. WAZ have since reported, however, that West Ham are looking for a minimum of £1 million, meaning the two-time DFB Pokal winners are scouring the market for cheaper alternatives.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
