For the fourth transfer window in a row, West Ham United will enter the market under serious pressure to bring in a new number nine.
David Moyes is desperate to take the Hammers to the next level and, if he is to smash through the glass ceiling rather than merely chipping away at it, then the overreliance on 31-year-old Michail Antonio – and his piano-wire hamstrings – must end.
Though it’s not as if West Ham haven’t tried.
It’s just that, finding a striker that could be considered an upgrade on Antonio – one that West Ham can afford and attract – is proving easier said than done.
Fortunately, there are a handful of talented centre-forwards who will be available for free this summer. Including a Champions League final goalscorer, an England U21 international and one with a Euro 2020 winners’ medal around his neck.
Andrea Belotti – Torino
Less than four years ago, president Urbano Cairo insisted that he would not sell his Torino talisman for a penny less than 100 million euros. Those days are long gone. Belotti will be a free-agent in four months’ time; One of the most underrated centre-forwards in European football bringing an end to seven years at Juventus’ near neighbours.
A Euro 2020 winner with Italy, Belotti is a forward perfect suited to David Moyes’ style. Rambunctious, aggressive and determined. And, fittingly for a man who made his name at Torino, he is a real ‘bull in a china shop number nine’.
Belotti’s scored 109 goals in 241 games. A remarkable tally when you consider Torino have spent hte best part of the last few years fighting relegation.
Divock Origi – Liverpool
Just how good is Divock Origi? Yes, we know he’s got a remarkable track record of popping up just when Liverpool need him the most. But, at a club willing to hand him a starting role week-in, week-out, can Origi ‘scale up’ his output and produce something more sustainable?
Like Belotti, Origi will be a free-agent in the summer. His versatility and impressive hold-up play should appeal to Moyes. As will his youth, his Premier League know-how and his penchant for the big occasion.
Eddie Nketiah – Arsenal
Another talented centre-forward, like Origi, who would certainly find game-time easier to come by elsewhere. Nketiah is something of an old-school throwback and his reputation as a ‘goal poacher’ may be a double-edged sword. Premier League managers expect more from their number nines these days than the odd six-yard tap-in after all.
Nketiah, the all-time top scorer for England’s U21s, has improved his work outside of the box in the last 18 months or so however. What’s more, at just 22, there is plenty of time on his side.
Danny Welbeck – Brighton
Moyes knows just how effective Welbeck can be when fit and firing. The 42-time England international was one of the few bright spots of the Scot’s ill-fated Old Trafford reign after all, scoring ten goals in all competitions across 2013/14.
The problem is, Welbeck hasn’t been ‘fit and firing’ for some time now. Moyes admitted that he decided against signing the 31-year-old for West Ham previously due to his worrying injury record. And, given that Welbeck has been restricted to just six league starts this season, it seems unlikely that Moyes will change his mind this summer.
Even if Moyes did perform an unexpected U-turn, Welbeck would be little more than back-up option. Then again, some depth and experience in the forward areas would be welcome.
If fit, Welbeck could be an inspired addition. That’s a huge ‘if’ though.
Danilo – Ajax
The youngest, and most left-field name on this list, Danilo is hardly a household name on English soil but that may change sooner rather than later. Struggling for game time at Ajax – ironically, because of Sebastien Haller’s stunning form – the 22-year-old Brazilian proved during a fine loan spell at FC Twente just how lethal he can be when given a chance.
He produced 17 goals and five assists in 33 Eredivisie matches at Twente.
At the time, Danilo looked destined for a big future at Ajax. Now, a departure looks inevitable. And West Ham would have a familiar face to thank if the Samba starlet ends up at the London Stadium.
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