Better than Calvert-Lewin: West Ham make contact over "phenomenal" £12m ace
da aposte e ganhe： It is a big summer for West Ham United, who will need to ratify the misgivings of the 2024/25 campaign. The Hammers have been largely disappointing this term, sitting 17th in the Premier League, and although they are safe from relegation, their 36 points are certainly underwhelming.
da dobrowin： Having had two managers this season, with Graham Potter currently in charge, things have certainly not been easy at the London Stadium. However, West Ham’s tally of just nine wins so far, alongside 16 losses, is hugely disappointing. There have only been four teams that have won fewer games, and three of those have been relegated.
Now, with the summer transfer window around the corner, West Ham have already been linked with one striker who can solve their attacking problems.
West Ham’s new striker target
One of the most impressive clubs in Ligue 1 this season has been Liam Rosenior’s Strasbourg. They have reached seventh in the table and are pushing for European football. Unsurprisingly, clubs around Europe have been put on high alert for some of their stars, with striker Emanuel Emegha a wanted man.
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According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the Hammers are one of the sides who could make a move for Emegha this summer. They are thought to have made contact after lodging an enquiry about the 22-year-old’s availability.
However, they are not alone in the chase for the Dutchman. Chelsea, who are the sister club of Strasbourg, are in the race, as are Premier League rivals Everton, Brentford and Fulham.
The report suggests Emegha will be available for just £12m this summer.
Why Emegha would be a good signing
Emegha has been one of the standout players for Strasbourg in their really strong campaign so far. They are within two points of a Champions League finish, and he will be crucial to helping them qualify for Europe’s premium club competition.
Emegha has managed 14 goals in 26 games in Ligue 1 this season. The Dutchman, who has played for his country as high as under-21 level, has also grabbed three assists this term. He has played 2217 minutes so far, and averages a goal involvement every 130 minutes.
One of the standout things about Emegha is the consistency with which he scores. His longest goal drought in Ligue 1 this season is five games, which came on either side of a five-game layover due to a knee injury. As football talent scout Jacek Kulig said, he is “phenomenal”.
Should the Hammers look to sign Emegha this summer, he could be the perfect alternative to another reported target, Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The East London side have ‘registered their interest’ in the Everton striker, according to Caught Offside.
However, despite the talent he possesses, the 28-year-old England international can struggle with injuries at times. Calvert-Lewin has had 16 separate injuries in his Toffees career since the start of the 2016/17 campaign.
It has also been a tough season in front of goal for the Sheffield-born striker. He has managed just three goals in 22 Premier League games, although has proven he can find the back of the net, with 57 top-flight goals in his career.
With that being said, it seems a risk to bring him into the London Stadium, given the injury record on show. Indeed, the FBref stats suggest that Emegha might be the better signing for West Ham this summer.
For example, the Dutchman averages 0.4 goals per shot on target and 0.73 key passes per 90 minutes. In comparison, Calvert-Lewin averages 0.18 goals per shot on target and 0.4 key passes each game.
Emegha vs. Calvert-Lewin key stats
Stat (per 90)
Emegha
Calvert-Lewin
Goals and assists
0.69
0.23
Goals per shots on target
0.4
0.18
Key passes
0.73
0.4
Progressive carries
1.51
1.26
Ball recoveries
2.37
1.83
Stats from FBref
Indeed, £12m does seem like a bargain for someone as consistent as Emegha. He is a genuine goalscorer, which the Hammers have had issues with this season; they have found the back of the net just 39 times in the Premier League.
This is a deal that West Ham can’t miss out on. They would be able to bring a proven goalscorer into the club and add necessary depth up front.
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