In the quest for attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window, David Moyes and West Ham faced numerous hurdles. From tax issues stalling the Jota deal to Arsenal rejecting a loan offer for Emile Smith-Rowe, the Hammers explored options like Jhon Duran, Steven Bergwijn, and Jack Clarke, yet the perfect fit eluded them. Moyes, expressing the club’s relentless pursuit, asserted that the search for a suitable option will now be deferred until the summer.
One persistent target on West Ham’s radar is Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson. Despite the Serie A club resisting a mid-season sale, reports from Italian outlet Tutto Juve indicate that West Ham has intensified their pursuit of Gudmundsson, joining the likes of Fiorentina and Bayer Leverkusen in seeking information about the player.
Gudmundsson’s commitment to Genoa, showcased during their relegation and subsequent promotion, reflects his loyalty. The Icelandic international, dubbed a “devastating player” by teammate Kevin Strootman, has been a pivotal figure in Genoa’s lineup. Boasting a remarkable 100% starting rate this season, Gudmundsson’s goal-scoring prowess, exceeding his xG by 4.8, places him among Europe’s top finishers. However, the statistics also hint at a potential need for sustainable improvement in his finishing.
Beyond scoring, Gudmundsson’s playmaking abilities shine. Leading Serie A in chances created (55) and ranking third in expected assists (4.2), his contributions suggest untapped potential when surrounded by higher-quality teammates. Positioned as a second striker, the prospect of linking up with Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen at West Ham could elevate the team’s excitement level, providing Moyes with a promising avenue for addressing transfer priorities. With Gudmundsson’s multifaceted skills, West Ham envisions a dynamic addition that could redefine their attacking dynamics in the upcoming transfer window.
