After a move to the London stadium, West Ham United have struggled not just due to the ground change but because of a number of problems at the club. Manager Slaven Bilic has been found out this season not only due to a poor summer transfer window but also in terms of his tactical ineptness.
Injuries haven’t helped the team either as some of the key players have been out for long spells. The biggest issue concerning West Ham currently is their striking options with the Hammers struggling for goals up front.
In seven years of the Sullivan and Gold regime at the club, West Ham have signed 32 strikers. These players have gone on to score just 118 goals in 643 matches which is an embarrassing return for the amount of money that the Hammers have invested.
Amongst the current forwards at the club’s disposal, Andy Carroll is the best possible option for West Ham but he is an injury prone player who cannot be trusted with being fit for an entire season. Diafra Sakho is also injury prone while Jonathan Calleri and Ashley Fletcher are untested at the highest level. With many strikers being linked with the club in recent weeks, here are the three options they should consider.
Daniel Sturridge
When fit, Sturridge is at par with the current crop of world class strikers in the Premier League. His record speaks for itself as whenever he has played this season, the 27-year old has guaranteed goals for his side. He has not been able to guarantee a place in the starting lineup under Jürgen Klopp and is ready to move in order to get regular playing time. The Hammers will get a proven goalscorer in their ranks as if they can keep him fit for an entire season, Sturridge can provide a return of 20+ goals.
The key factor here will be the style of play. West Ham’s style isn’t as demanding as Liverpool’s under Klopp, so there’s a better chance of him staying healthy.
Carlos Bacca
Bacca is a proven goalscorer wherever he has gone on to play and can play in any system that the club decides to use next season. He can play with his back to the goal and display some nice link up play and can also play as a fast paced striker playing in a counter attacking system. With 13 league goals this season for Milan, Bacca is on a decent run and can prove to be an inspired addition to this squad.
The Hammers made a good attempt to lure him last summer but failed. They are in a worse position this time and it’ll only get harder to convince him. If they want someone good, they’ll have to make every attempt to sign the player though and hence, should return for Bacca this summer.
Jermaine Defoe
Defoe has some unfinished business with the club after leaving them at an early age. There can’t be a better timing for a reunion than in the next season. The 34-year old has been in brilliant touch for Sunderland and has been their lone warrior.
The Black Cats are destined for relegation and will have to sell their talisman who harbours hopes of playing in the World Cup. A striking duo of Andy Carroll and Jermaine Defoe can wreak havoc against any team in the Premier League and would be a dream pairing for the Hammers to have.
