Report: Besiktas want West Ham striker Albian Ajeti

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Albian Ajeti is being linked with an exit just months into his West Ham career.

According to Turkish media outlet Sporx, Besiktas want to sign Ajeti in the January transfer window. Ajeti has struggled since his deadline-day move from FC Basel to West Ham and he might be on his way.

West Ham signed Ajeti for £8m late in the summer window (as per BBC Sport). This is now looking like a panic buy. West Ham sold all of their strikers in the summer and only brought in Sebastien Haller so Ajeti was a late swoop.

The 22-year-old has not scored for the Hammers yet. He has also failed to start a Premier League game with Haller preferred up top. West Ham might be tempted to cut their losses this winter.

Albian Ajeti: Sell, loan or keep?

West Ham face a conundrum if Besiktas ramp up their interest in Ajeti. Is it worth persevering with the Switzerland international or should he be allowed to leave?

The main problem is the lack of depth. Last season, West Ham had Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll. This season, it is just Haller and Ajeti.

Unless West Ham can bring in a replacement, can the club afford to lose Ajeti? This is why West Ham might be tempted into a permanent sale. But even then, West Ham would be unlikely to recoup the £8m they splashed on Ajeti because his stock has fallen.

The other option is a loan move. This could work if it gives Ajeti the confidence to return next season with goals under his belt. But once again, that leaves West Ham with limited options in the attack and no money to sign new players.