Xande Silva’s disappointing cameo in West Ham United’s win over Wycombe Wanderers proved one thing, David Moyes needs a new striker.
West Ham starlet could end up at club like Man City after shock departure – insider
West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have told Moyes he must sell to buy (Claret & Hugh).
But offloading players for any sort of value has proved difficult for West Ham.
The Hammers have sold Jordan Hugill and Albian Ajeti for a combined £7.5million.
West Ham’s lack of striker options almost cost them Premier League status
One of the biggest criticisms of West Ham last season was a lack of striker options.
Sebastien Haller was the club’s only recognised proven senior striker.
Michail Antonio took up the mantle with great success after the restart but he has a concerning injury history.
If you thought West Ham did not have enough strength in depth in the striker department last season, now both Ajeti and Hugill have departed with no sign of a replacement.
West Ham have been heavily linked with moves for Ollie Watkins and Callum Wilson.
But Fulham have reportedly moved in to try and sign both (Sky Sports).
No Silva lining for Hammers
Some West Ham fans have pointed to young Portuguese forward Xande Silva as potential back-up for Haller and Antonio.
If the 5-1 win over Wycombe proved anything it is that Silva does not look ready or capable.
Firstly at 23-years-old Silva cannot really be classed as a youngster anymore.
As a second half sub, Silva should have looked fresh when he came on.
But he looked lethargic and struggled to make any real impact on a game West Ham had been dominating.
Silva had no efforts at goal and did not seem to possess any real pace to get in behind Wycombe.
Another Sullivan and Gold lottery ticket that won’t pay out
Like so many lottery ticket striker signings under Sullivan and Gold, Silva does not look to have the quality to step up to Premier League level.
He is one of four examples in the last few years alone from Toni Martinez to Hugill and Ajeti.
As Moyes said earlier in the week this is the chance for the club’s young and fringe players to show what they have got.
Unfortunately for Silva he showed West Ham must sign another striker.
Failure to do that and an injury to Antonio or Haller – or indeed both – could prove extremely damaging in what promises to be one of the most fiercely competitive Premier League seasons for many years.
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