Transfer story
West Ham United’s struggle for goals this past season has been well documented and manager Slaven Bilic is naturally expected to spend big to correct the mistakes of the concluded season.
The Hammers are rumoured to be in the market for two strikers with one of them being reported to be a certain Dane who is plying his trade currently for French club, Toulouse. Martin Braithwaite has been linked with a move to the London stadium next month.
Braithwaite was in good form for Toulouse this past season and was scouted on numerous occasions by West Ham United. and Southampton. But the Hammers are said to be the favourites to land him at this moment and though Toulouse want him to sign a new contract, Braithwaite wants to move to England.
He has just one year left on his current contract and the Hammers are set to bid £9 million for the 26-year-old striker.
Who is he and player stats
Braithwaite rose through the ranks of Danish side Esbjerg fB and made his senior debut for them in 2009. He spent four years with his local club and scored 17 goals. His main contribution came in his final season in 2012/13 where he helped his side clinch the Danish Cup.
Braithwaite was then transferred to Toulouse where he became a regular starter for the club. He has also represented Denmark in all the age groups and till now has made 15 appearances for the senior side.
In 36 appearances for the French side this past campaign, Braithwaite managed 12 goals and 3 assists by playing as a striker or as a left winger. He attempted 2.9 shots per game, 1.1 dribbles every 90 minutes and was fouled at least 2 times in each match.
What he’ll offer to the club?
The 26-year-old is a proper utility player who can play anywhere from a striker to an attacking midfielder. He has been deployed on the flanks as well but his best performances have come from the left or as a sole striker.
He is an agile player who likes to play off the shoulders of the last defender. The attacker likes to dribble and cut inside from the left and often drops deep to get involved.
He can be a relative plan B for the Hammers with respect to Andy Carroll’s style of play and can complement well with the towering Englishman.
Worth the money?
Braithwaite can be a good backup option if West Ham United do get to sign an established name for the next season. He can be a good first substitution for them but if they fail to land a player who is a proven goal scorer and having the experience of the league, then the decision to sign Braithwaite might prove to be a huge risk.
