From earlier reports, we know West Ham are looking in the English divisions, notably the Championship, as a more effective source of new recruits for January. Better value for money and a better ability to get up to speed for the Premier League’s daunting pace are cited as the reasons. Plus of course no ‘challenges’ for overseas players like those reported by Niclas Fullkrug to settle into the culture of lifestyle of settling in England.
Hammers scouts were sent, according to Gazettelive.co.uk to watch young Middlesborough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath at the game between ‘Boro and Oxford United last week. They report:”The 25-year-old attracted interest in the summer transfer window and was the subject of a £20 million bid from Ipswich Town on deadline day which was ultimately rejected by Boro.
Having endured a tough start to the season, Latte Lath has refound his goalscoring form of late, with the next transfer window just around the corner.”
The 25 year old Ivorian who was named Championship player of the month for April 2024, currently has 7 goals scored from 16 Championship games. The trip to Oxford was well worthwhile as Latte Lath banged in a hat trick.
The Hammers are true to their word, scouting in the English leagues principally as most of the budget has been blown: Times are hard and a £20 million striker might be affordable whereas a £50 million Jhon Duran type is out of our price bracket just now with several other priority positions needing reinforcement in January.
