West Ham’s transfer strategy for January appears to have shifted as per insights from Claret & Hugh, with the club de-prioritizing the pursuit of a striker owing to the standout performances of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus.
The Hammers have predominantly operated without a conventional striker this season due to Michail Antonio’s injury and Danny Ings’ lack of prominence within the squad. Initially presumed to be in the market for attacking reinforcement in the winter, West Ham may now be considering postponing this pursuit until the summer.
According to Claret & Hugh, the possibility of recruiting players from abroad is likely to be disregarded in light of the imperative to focus on acquiring British talent, essential for adhering to home-grown quota regulations.
Quoted on December 26, Claret & Hugh stated, “West Ham’s winter signing priorities have shifted in response to the exceptional performances of Mohammed Kudos and Jarrod Bowen. With the combined contribution of Lucas Paqueta, these players have netted a total of 23 goals, reducing the immediate need for a striker and potentially postponing such a signing until the summer.”
Furthermore, there is a diligent focus on attracting top British talent during the upcoming winter and summer transfer windows to ensure compliance with the regulations on homegrown players. The club has expressed its commitment to this priority, indicating that rumors linking the team with overseas players may warrant skepticism.
This update from Claret & Hugh is noteworthy, given the previous expectation that David Moyes would seek to bolster the striking department during the January transfer window, notwithstanding the impressive form of Bowen and Kudus.
Evidently, West Ham has encountered challenges in solidifying its striker options in the Premier League, as highlighted by the underwhelming stint of Gianluca Scamacca before his swift return to Serie A with Atalanta last summer.
Moyes’ apparent decision not to pursue a striker in January could be perceived as a testament to the confidence he holds in his current squad, with Bowen and Kudus showcasing their ability to shoulder the attacking responsibilities effectively.
Moreover, the complexities and high costs associated with January transfers could potentially be influencing West Ham’s cautious approach, as negotiating deals during this period often presents significant challenges. It is possible that the club’s leadership believes it prudent to exercise patience in this matter.
