Free agent Kelechi Iheanacho has emerged as a surprise transfer target for West Ham United this summer.
Michail Antonio has been our number one striker over the past few years, and it’s now time for West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui to change all of that.
However, Kelechi Iheanacho certainly won’t be one of the names on the Hammers fans’ lists of potential new strikers the Spaniard could sign in the summer transfer window.
Lopetegui is said to be prioritising the addition of a new centre-forward, now that a deal to bring Max Kilman to the London Stadium seems to be imminent.
West Ham have been linked with moves for numerous front-men, including the likes of Jonathan David, Youssef En-Nesyri and Simon Banza.
The latter two allegedly want to move to the London Stadium this summer, and either of them would take us to another level entirely.
The key for Lopetegui will be to bring in a striker who suits his system. David Moyes failed miserably in that aspect and the Spaniard must learn from the Scot’s mistakes.
It seems like the Hammers boss could be set to repeat the errors of his predecessor though…
Real reason why West Ham want to sign Kelechi Iheanacho
So the former Manchester City man is currently without a club, and is said to be desperately searching for a new team.
He’s only 27, so clearly wants at least one more big contract before he hangs up his boots, probably two.
And it seems like he may well get that at the London Stadium.
According to Give Me Sport, West Ham are ready to battle Wolves to sign Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer this summer, after he was released from Leicester City.
The real reason why Lopetegui wants him is rather concerning though.
The infuriating thing about the report is that it’s claimed that West Ham want some fresh competition for Michail Antonio, without having to ‘fork out a transfer fee’.
That’s hardly inspiring is it.
The 27-year-old is far from clinical, and has scored just 87 goals throughout his career to date. Only 42 of those have come in the Premier League.
He’s simply not suited to Lopetegui’s playing style either. The Nigerian certainly isn’t known for running the channels, and is more of a ‘fox in the box’ type striker.
If Julen Lopetegui really wants to oversee some progress at West Ham, he needs to sign a proven striker who has a record of scoring goals at the highest level consistently.
The Hammers boss should be prioritising the addition of someone like En-Nesyri, David or Banza in my opinion.
West Ham cannot afford heading into the new season without a proven number nine leading the line for us.
That said, Kelechi Iheanacho is available on a free transfer, so Lopetegui might just think signing the Nigerian for West Ham is worth the risk.
For what it’s worth, I couldn’t disagree more. You get what you pay for, and there must have been a good reason why Leicester released him.
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