West Ham faces a potential triple injury crisis as they pursue a deal for Ajax’s Steven Bergwijn in January, yet the club’s transfer activity relies heavily on offloading players to finance new signings.
The recent injuries to Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen during Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Bristol City have cast a cloud over the squad’s fitness. While Bowen’s ankle concern is hopeful, Paqueta’s recurring knee problem poses a more significant worry after he lasted a mere 10 minutes on the pitch.
Manager David Moyes is already grappling with the absence of Mohammed Kudus at the Africa Cup of Nations and Michail Antonio’s continued setback from a knee injury suffered in November.
Despite West Ham’s pressing need to bolster their wide options, imminent moves remain uncertain. The club must first sell players like Said Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet, and Pablo Fornals to generate funds before venturing into new signings.
Former Tottenham player Bergwijn, now at Ajax, emerges as a prominent target for West Ham. The winger displayed his prowess by netting a goal in Ajax’s friendly against Hannover 96. Bergwijn is reportedly interested in a return to the Premier League after leaving Spurs for the Netherlands 18 months ago.
West Ham holds a good rapport with Ajax, having secured players like Edson Alvarez and Kudus from the Dutch club in the previous transfer windows. While initial talks with Bergwijn’s representatives took place last week, negotiations between the clubs are yet to progress substantially.
Financial constraints make a loan deal favorable for West Ham. However, Ajax, aiming to recoup a significant portion of the hefty £26.5 million fee paid for Bergwijn two summers ago, might seek a permanent transfer.
Despite the injuries, West Ham won’t rush into a deal. With FA regulations barring new signings from the replay at Ashton Gate and a sparse fixture schedule due to the Premier League midseason break, the Hammers remain cautious about their January transfer activity.
When questioned about the potential impact of Sunday’s injuries on the club’s January plans, Moyes remained composed, stating, “I don’t think so, I don’t think it would necessarily play a part. Obviously, if we’re going to lose people long-term but I’ve not heard anything to suggest anybody’s severe.”