Way back last summer when Lopetegui was still in his honeymoon period and West Ham fans were full of optimism – briefly – Tim Steidten was racking up the air miles with Brazilian away days in search of West Ham’s next dream signing. Sadly the Guilherme transfer, which was the only tangible result at the time, proved to be more a multi-million minnow instead of a prize catch.
However if the current reports are to be believed then last summer’s work many not be in vain: Graham Potter had exactly zero goal threat to put on the pitch last weekend. A decent mobile striker in the squad would be manna from heaven in the January window and a massive Danny Ings upgrade.
Claret and Hugh’s article as far back as November suggested all was not lost with striker Yuri Alberto. West Ham have history with Corinthians and the Brazilian golden boot winner: An offer of £14 million was rejected in 2023 for the young Alberto. Whilst this would still be a tricky transfer owing to his shared ownership between Zenit St Petersburg and Corinthians, compared with Hammers’ claimed £57 million on the table for Jhon Duran – the £20 million now reported (caughtoffside.com and others) as being on the table for Alberto’s signature would make the striker an excellent buy.
In any case, £20 million seems way more credible in view of West Ham’s financial situation and the reticence of the board to part with money.
The relief at actually bringing a new frontman into West Ham before the window closes would soon outweigh any ‘it’s not Duran’ negativity and give the new head coach some attacking options for the second half of the season and beyond: Alberto could then have a decent run at proving to the West Ham faithful that instead of being a poor second choice he’d actually be a pretty decent, lively and potent threat and a welcome addition to the squad.
