LATE MOVE: West Ham now Frontrunners to SIGN GoAL- Poacher as the Hammers push in with High interest to seal DEAL before Transfer Deadline.
West Ham United have some work to do after losing their Premier League opener against Aston Villa. It wasn’t the start Julen Lopetegui had hoped for, but there were positives to take away.
After missing out on a top-six finish last season and losing their spot in European competitions, West Ham have revamped their squad with several exciting signings, and more could be on the way.
In the match against Villa, Michail Antonio struggled, appearing isolated and neglecting defensive duties. The club has brought in the powerful Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund in a £27 million deal, but Lopetegui seems to be eyeing another striker to complete his attacking lineup.
Despite a busy summer in the transfer market, West Ham may have identified the ideal player to strengthen Lopetegui’s squad…
**West Ham’s Search for a Striker**
According to Football Insider, Tammy Abraham is on West Ham’s shortlist as the summer transfer window enters its final phase. The English striker, currently at AS Roma, has been listed for transfer at €25 million (£21 million) following Roma’s signing of Artem Dovbyk from Girona.
At 26 years old, Abraham spent most of the 2023/24 season sidelined with an injury but has a proven track record of goal-scoring and boasts several European trophies.
With efforts to sign Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran seemingly stalled, Abraham could be the perfect addition to Lopetegui’s team, which is aiming to reclaim a spot in European competition.
**What Tammy Abraham Would Bring to West Ham**
Abraham has enjoyed a successful career, and while recent injuries have been a setback, a return to the Premier League could see him rediscover his best form.
Like Fullkrug, the former Chelsea star is a strong, effective target man, but he also offers more dynamism, agility, and creativity. During his first two Serie A seasons, Abraham averaged one key pass per game.
In his first year in Rome, he scored 27 goals and helped lead the team to victory in the Europa Conference League, crediting then-manager Jose Mourinho for turning him into a “monster.”
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, the 11-cap England international is a towering presence but also quick and intelligent, able to slip between defenders and latch onto through balls.
Now, imagine who at West Ham might complement those skills…
**Imagine Him & Lucas Paquetá**
Lucas Paquetá’s future at West Ham is uncertain, with the FA continuing to investigate the Brazilian for alleged spot-fixing. However, he started the current campaign strong, scoring from the penalty spot on Saturday, though it wasn’t enough to prevent West Ham’s defeat.
Paquetá, an elite-level player, could form a deadly partnership with Abraham, offering the support needed to help the striker thrive upon his return to London.
Once described as a “goal machine” by former youth coach Stephen Elliott, Abraham would bring the essentials of the center-forward role to the London Stadium, with those natural talents amplified by a playmaker of Paquetá’s caliber.
Last season, Paquetá—who was the subject of an £80 million bid from Manchester City before the aforementioned charges—ranked among the top 12% of Premier League players in his position for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 8% for tackles, and the top 9% for aerial battles won per 90 minutes, according to FBref.
These statistics are particularly striking. While Paquetá is known for his creative flair, his defensive work rate is equally crucial for West Ham—perhaps even more so.
With his all-around midfield play, Paquetá could make Abraham nearly unplayable with his precise passing and enable the Roma striker to be even more dangerous in the final third by applying defensive pressure from deep.
Last season in the Premier League, Paquetá averaged 2.3 tackles, 6.3 ball recoveries, and an impressive 7.6 successful duels per game, shifting between central midfield and the left wing while consistently performing with energy and commitment.
With new signings like Crysencio Summerville and Luis Guilherme in Lopetegui’s squad, Paquetá is expected to play a central role regularly, pushing forward to influence and control the game.
Fullkrug brings strength and tenacity, capable of changing a match, while Antonio’s power and physicality remain a constant threat despite his age of 34.
However, in Abraham, West Ham could acquire a striker with a diverse skill set, capable of delivering sharp, clinical finishes.
As former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith once said, Abraham’s “currency is goals,” making his return to the Premier League seem like a no-brainer. Lopetegui already has a strong mix of attacking talent, but Abraham could be the final piece that elevates West Ham to new heights.