Europe’s top striker Serhou Guirassy has responded to West Ham links after rumours of a January move to the London Stadium.
If there were any doubts West Ham need a new striker to replace ageing Michail Antonio then they were put to bed against Aston Villa.
It is not Antonio’s fault that West Ham have failed to replace, upgrade or even find adequate competition for him as he approaches his 34th birthday.
But his struggles are amplified by the failure of David Moyes and the Hammers board to bring in a replacement for Gianluca Scamacca.
If you listen to the transfer rumour mill, West Ham are certainly trying – or putting plans in place at least.
The Hammers have been heavily linked with a plethora of forwards including the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Youssef En-Nesyri and – more recently – Serhou Guirassy.
Europe’s top striker Serhou Guirassy responds to West Ham links after rumours of January move to the London Stadium
German technical director Tim Steidten knows all about Guirassy. We’ve been reporting recently on claims from multiple sources about West Ham preparing a move for red hot Stuttgart striker.
The in-form 27-year-old has been smashing Bundesliga records this season and is the leading goalscorer in all of Europe’s top leagues with 15 – yes FIFTEEN – already.
What Steidten wants, he usually gets – as West Ham found out to their benefit during the summer transfer window.
As covered in previous reports, the forward has a release clause of just £17.5m – which Stuttgart have been trying to buy him out of in order to sell him for a much higher price.
Where is the player’s head at, though? Well now we know. And it’s mixed news.
Europe’s top striker Guirassy has responded to West Ham links after rumours of a January move to the London Stadium.
The good news is Guirassy is not hiding the fact that he will be looking to move on.
Hammers may have to wait until the summer to get their man
But it seems if the Hammers do want him then they may have to be patient. Because he does not want to leave the German club in the January window.
That’s according to sources at Sky Germany who claim Guirassy has made it clear to them and interested clubs he is not interested in leaving Stuttgart in the winter despite that release clause in his contract.
“The release clause in Guirassy’s contract is said to be less than €20m (£17.5m), while the clause in the summer is upped, meaning if a club activates the clause in the winter then Guirassy has the choice to leave,” the report states.
“However, Guirassy is not interested in leaving Stuttgart in the winter. The 27-year-old wants to finish the season at the club as he enjoys the appreciation he receives from the club and the team.
“Stuttgart are trying to renegotiate the summer clause whether that be removing the clause, upping the price of the clause or even trying to offer Guirassy more money but at the current moment the 27-year-old is not interested.”
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