West Ham United are all set to hijack Uruguay youngster Maxi Gomez’s move to Valencia this summer, it has been claimed.
Gomez was close to finalising his move to Valencia, but the Hammers have now come up with an offer that could turn the heads of the agent and the player, it has been reported by Spanish website Super Deporte.
It is also claimed that the Hammers are ready to meet his €50m release clause, and could make him their next signing pretty soon.
Maxi Gomez – Fact file
Born in Paysandu, Uruguay, Gomez moved to La Liga with Celta Vigo back in 2017 and has been a mainstay in the first team ever since. He picked up 13 goals and 5 assists in 33 league starts last season, establishing himself as the first-choice striker at Balaidos.
Known for his strength in the air and his ability to retain the ball under pressure in the final third, the 22-year old is also adept at drawing fouls and pushing his side up the field when under pressure.
The forward can create chances for his side, but is capable of finding the back of the net consistently if given enough service from the wide areas.
Gomez is not a hard-working striker, but is a target man who is effective against even the best of defenders. At his age, he is only going to get better and a move to England could be the best way for him to improve as a player.
Will Gomez fit in Pellegrini’s system at West Ham United?
The former Manchester City manager’s style of play is not one based on possession. He likes his side to turn defence into attack quickly and wants his attackers to keep the opposition defenders on their toes.
Pellegrini likes his side to keep the pressure mounting but playing against sides that are better than them, this system has not proven to be so effective.
So, it was no surprise that Pellegrini had his side playing deep in their half and waiting for a mistake to pounce on. This is where Gomez could be effective.
The Celta Vigo man is smart with his decision making and will allow his midfield to release the ball early.
Gomez can hold up the ball in dangerous areas and wait for the likes of Felipe Anderson and Michail Antonio to run beyond him, adding a different dimension to the West Ham attack.
The Hammers could lose Marko Arnautovic before the start of the next season, so Maxi Gomez is one player they desperately need.
