West Ham United had to endure a difficult campaign last season as they kept struggling to implement the right tactical nous, looked clueless on many occasions and the departure of Dimitri Payet worsened their case. Despite making some ground shattering signings this summer, the Hammers were torn apart by a flamboyant Manchester United side last weekend.
The Red Devils banged four goals without conceding any. Things didn’t get any better against Southampton as West Ham United’s late loss was again a timely reminder of the fact that Slaven Bilic still has a lot of chores to attend and changes to make.
Having signed Javier Hernandez already, Bilic is believed to be keen to add more Mexican mojo up front and has put Benfica’s forward Raul Jimenez, as per one of the latest reports.
Jimenez developed from the youth ranks of America and then went on to ply his trade with their senior side. Spanish heavyweight Atletico Madrid made him put his signature above the dotted line in the summer of 2014 but his move failed to transpire in the manner it was anticipated to. After merely one season, he made a move to Benfica and has struck 24 goals in 80 games for the Eagles.
Apart from club level football, the 26-year-old also has notable experience with his national side. He is likely to leave Benfica this summer in search of new endeavours and apparently, even Jose Mourinho is aiming to make a move in order to bring him under his ranks. However, Bilic’s side should have the upper hand in the build up to the transfer, as they would be able to offer the attacker more game time.
However, the London based outfit would have to splash notable amount of money, as it was reported last month that the Primeira Liga outfit rejected Everton’s audacious bid of £39million. Although Bilic is the one to decide whether he should give his consent to any deal or not, it wouldn’t be bogus from our part to underline that Jimenez is indeed a player of fine calibre.
Although is a centre-forward by trade, he is versatile enough to work efficiently from the wings. He has good physical presence and works hard throughout the game.
He can create space, has a good control over the ball and stretches the opposition’s defence by shifting to wider positions while in position. His move to the London Stadium could help Bilic in solving a substantial part of his offensive woes.
