Transfer story
West Ham United have struggled with the form and fitness of their strikers this season with the Hammers struggling for goals in the latter part of the campaign. Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho have struggled for fitness whereas Jonathan Calleri has not been able to find his rhythm in the Premier League. The club needs to invest in two strikers this summer and recent reports suggest that the owners and manager Slaven Bilic have started their work in that direction. It is being claimed that West Ham have finalised Manchester City’s Wilfred Bony to lead their line next season.
Bony has been on loan this season with Stoke City but has fallen way down the pecking order under Mark Hughes as he recently described his situation with the Potters being “crazy”. His parent club Manchester City has also decided against keeping the striker in their books which means that West Ham can offer Bony a way out next season. He also has offers from China but the striker is keen on proving himself in England.
Player stats
In this season, Bony made 10 appearances in the league and scored twice. He also played for his country, Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations and scored once. Playing time has not come easily for the striker who once scored 17 goals in a season for his former side, Swansea City in the 2013/14 season. His form with the Swans got him a move to the blue half of Manchester but failed to impress due to the upgrades available at the club.
What he’ll offer to the club?
Bony is a strong striker who can hold on to the ball and bring his teammates into play. He can be said to be close to Carroll’s prowess in the air but what Bony will bring is that the Ivorian is a better all round striker than Carrol. He is agile even for his huge built and has scored superb goals with his feet for his previous clubs. Bony also keeps a brilliant understanding of the know-how of his teammates and has a good link up play which can be immense for the Hammers.
Worth the money?
City bought him at £28 million and wants around £15 million for the striker. The sum is not a huge fee for a striker who is hungry for goals and game time in the Premier League. West Ham cannot afford to let him go from their clutches as Swansea City are also interested in signing their former player. The Hammers have been successful with a physically threatening striker up front and with doubts over Carroll’s fitness, Bony is the best possible option to sign in the summer.
