If reports are to be believed, West Ham United are keen on signing former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou, who currently plays for German club Hertha Berlin. Kalou has been with the German side since 2014, but his stay at the club could come to an end soon.
As per Kicker, the Hammers are going to make a move for the 34-year-old, who has not had much game time in the current season. The Ivory Coast international’s current deal with Hertha expires at the end of the season. The London side had been linked with a move for AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek, who is not interested in playing for West Ham, which has set the club on the hunt for short term alternatives. Piatek, incidentally, has decided to join Hertha with the transfer announced today.
I’m very excited to be part of this project ? #DieZukunftGehörtBerlin and play in the @Bundesliga_DE ?? for my new team @HerthaBSC in great city with an incredible tifo! ?⚪ Can’t wait to start the game at #olympiastadionberlin ⚽ Vielen Dank! ? #HaHoHe pic.twitter.com/DTjwG2SPTL
— Krzysztof Piątek (@pjona9official) January 30, 2020
Salomon Kalou has featured in just 7 games for Hertha this season, scoring 2 goals in all competitions. Overall he has played 172 games, scoring 53 goals and providing 16 assists for the German club in all competitions. With Chelsea, the Ivorian won the Premier League, Champions League, as well as the FA Cup.
Salomon Kalou: Makes sense bringing him now?
Salomon Kalou was a very good squad player for Chelsea after he joined the club in 2006, playing 6 seasons for them. A versatile player who can play as a winger or a striker, Kalou is predominantly a right-footed player who plays off the left side. Kalou likes to move into central areas from the wing and has confident dribbling skills as well as pace.
His game awareness with and without the ball is a very useful tool to have in counter-attacking situations. Kalou could be a useful signing for the Hammers in the January transfer window as he is a player with vast experience, can create chances, and even score the odd goal. His previous Premier League experience will allow him to settle down in the league quickly and aid in the Hammers’ quest to ensure safety and look for a strong finish to, what has been a disappointing season thus far.
David Moyes’ side have struggled for goals and they will need another player to ease the pressure off Sebastien Haller, who hasn’t had the best of starts at the club. The injuries to the likes of Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko have also not helped the Hammers, rendering them light in the wide attacking areas. With Salomon Kalou’s contract set to expire in the summer, he could be brought in for a cheap transfer fee, which makes this deal a good one for Moyes and co given his versatility and potential ability to have a positive impact off the bench against most oppositions.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
