Transfer story
FC Porto winger, Yacine Brahimi has emerged as a target for West Ham United. The 27-year old winger is an established player for the Portuguese side.
Slaven Bilic was left disappointed after he could only steer the club to an 11th-place finish last season. The Hammers had their fair share of critics last season, so they are ready to rebuild their squad this summer as Bilic looks set to challenge for a European spot.
In trying to sign the Porto star, the Hammers will face stiff competition with him being a long time target for Everton. Brahimi has a £52.5 million release clause but could be available for less with Porto ready to do business.
Player stats
Brahimi made 27 appearances last season and in the process, registered 7 goals and collected 3 assists in a season which saw Porto miss out on the Primeira Liga title yet again.
The Algerian winger managed to average 2 shots per game, highlighting his threat up front. He is a very pretty nifty dribbler averaging just over 4 dribbles per game.
The 27-year old is a real nuisance up top and has drawn around 3 fouls every game. Also, Brahimi has a wonderful vision which has seen him average a key pass per game.
The Porto midfielder had a good chance creation stat as well. He managed to create 29 chances in 27 games last season. (Stats via Whoscored)
What’ll he offer to the club?
The Algerian is a classical winger. He is capable of playing on either side of the pitch. West Ham were hit after Dimitri Payet’s departure and Robert Snodgrass’ arrival didn’t have the same impact that it was supposed to.
Although Manuel Lanzini stepped up, the Hammers missed the creativity and fell massively short in some of the games. Brahimi is at his peak years as an athlete and can provide the muscle up front along with the likes of Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll.
Having experienced the Champions League with Porto, he has what it takes to perform in the Premier League and the generally open nature of the competition might even make it easier for him.
Worth the money?
Although the reported fee was quoted as £52.5 million, no one is likely to touch him for that amount, so expect the price to drop by half at least. For somewhere around the £26 million mark, he wouldn’t be a bad signing at all.
