West Ham United are once again being linked with a move for Christian Benteke.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
A report from The Telegraph last week claimed that West Ham United are again interested in making a move to sign Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke.
After a disappointing year with Liverpool, Benteke left Anfield to join Palace last summer, with the Belgian international being viewed as the man to score goals for the Eagles.
So far, Benteke has endured a hit and miss spell at Selhurst Park. Whilst he has hit nine goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season, it’s now just one goal in his last 12 Premier League games.
Now, The Telegraph report that Benteke could look to leave Palace this summer whether they stay in the top flight or not, as he is believed to be frustrated with life at Selhurst Park.
It’s added that West Ham United could again make a move for Benteke, with manager Slaven Bilic still pursuing attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window.
West Ham have seen Andy Carroll struggle with injuries again this season, and the Hammers are nowhere near as threatening without his aerial prowess – but Benteke could add some similar attributes to the West Ham attack.
The link is particularly interesting given that, earlier this season, West Ham boss Bilic revealed to the London Evening Standard that the Hammers looked to bring in Benteke from Liverpool last summer – but it was ‘hard’ to get him.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke
“Benteke was one of the players on our list but he was also on the list of many clubs,” said Bilic. “He went to Palace and now it’s irrelevant because he is their player and we have got our strikers. I didn’t speak to him. We just wanted to know the situation and we couldn’t get him basically, it was hard to get him,” he added.
Now, West Ham could be given another opportunity to land Benteke, and Bilic should be looking to grasp it at the end of the season, giving West Ham the big striker they’re looking for.
With a quality supply line in Robert Snodgrass, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio, Benteke could thrive at the London Stadium, having been left frustrated by Palace winger Andros Townsend’s tendency to shoot rather than cross – and given how Carroll excels when fit, Benteke could be the perfect addition for West Ham this summer.
Would you like to see West Ham sign Benteke?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
