In the ongoing January transfer window, West Ham has sealed a loan deal for midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City until the season’s end. Yet, manager David Moyes, eyeing reinforcements, aimed to strengthen the striker position labeled as a “priority” later in the month.
Despite an injury sidelining Michail Antonio until mid-February, the club faced a standstill in striker recruitment. Enter Armando Broja, a long-admired prospect at the London Stadium, whose future took center stage as the transfer window approached its climax.
In a last-minute development on deadline day, journalist Dean Jones reports that West Ham, along with Fulham and Wolves, received an offer to sign Broja on loan. Chelsea initially insisted on a loan followed by a £35m obligation to buy, but a sudden change in their stance led to inquiries about a straightforward loan.
However, Fulham emerged victorious, securing a deal with a £4m loan fee, leaving Wolves and West Ham’s bids rejected.
Broja, hailed as potentially the next Jesse Lingard, made a significant impact during his 2021/22 loan at Southampton, scoring six Premier League goals. Despite a quieter season this year, his clinical finishing remains evident, with praise from Alan Shearer for his remarkable start in the Premier League.
Reflecting on past successes, particularly Jesse Lingard’s impactful loan stint from a ‘big six’ club, West Ham finds itself in a critical juncture as the window nears its close. Lingard’s memorable contributions underscore the pressure on West Ham to secure a new striker before the transfer deadline concludes.
