West Ham confirmed the exciting appointment of the former Chelsea coach Graham Potter, only a couple of days ago. Playing twice since his arrival, he has won and lost once during those two games. What is apparent is that the Englishmen coach has identified a key position that the club needs to strengthen, and that’s a forward.
The Hammers have foreseen an extremely underwhelming season so far, to say the least. Currently placed in 12th place in the league. They have conceded the third most amount of goals so far (41).
With only Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Wolves conceding more. However, their goal-scoring has not been too impressive as well. Currently in 14th place for the number of times they have found the back of the net (27).
These stats sound a lot worse considering the fact that over the last three seasons, West Ham have spent a large amount of money. Attaining high-class players in the process, from Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, or Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.
Leading to one thing, high expectations. Which is ultimately why Julen Lopetegui was dismissed a couple of weeks ago.
Now that Graham Potter has arrived, it looks like he is looking for a forward who could lead the line for the Hammers.
Who though?
How likely is this deal?
Following the unfortunate accident of Michael Antonio this season, it meant that the London side was left with little attacking firepower.
As between Danny Ings and Niclas Füllkrug, who should have been the main men following Antonio’s incident. The duo have scored three goals out of 24 appearances in all competitions combined.
Which is why this report is not too surprising. As Florian Plettenberg reports “West Ham are now making a serious attempt to sign Taiwo Awoniyi with immediate effect.
It must be added that the club’s current top scorer and captain is out of action with an injury. As Jarrod Bowen has scored six goals so far this season and has taken the role of a false nine at times.
In regard to the Nigerian’s point of view in this situation. Throughout the 16 appearances that he has made for Nottingham Forest this season. He has started only twice, losing both against Fulham and Arsenal.
Whilst only scoring one goal, compared to the six goals and three assists that he made last season. Starting the majority of games, he participated in, although he did miss several games through injury. He was more known to be the main man.
However, this season the tide has completely shifted. With Chris Wood taking that role this season, being the joint-fourth top scorer in the league. (13) While the side is currently in second place in what seems to be a dream scenario for the club.
To conclude this point, it does not look like the Nigerian has a realistic case to reject a move to West Ham. As he will get a chance to showcase his abilities once again in the Premier League.
Therefore, considering his situation and the fact that it may not be a very Costly deal. The most likely scenario is that this deal will get done.
What will he bring to West Ham?
As mentioned above, the Nigerian forward will definitely be an asset to the Hammers if the deal goes ahead.
What he showcased for Forest last season could be a sneak peek of what he can produce for the London club. A player that will be an absolute headache for any defender in the league bar a select few.
Has the pace and power to run the channels, (long balls into wide spaces) but could drop deeper too to link the play. Which is what you would most likely expect him to do under Graham Potter.
However, his versatility along with his attacking threat will give West Ham an extra edge in games. During games where he may not score, what is foreseen is his impact beyond goal scoring.
Where this type of player will be an asset for most teams in the league. The only concern for him is his availability. As he missed 32 games last season due to injuries.