West Ham United have been linked with a move for Honduran striker Alberth Elis, who currently plays for Portuguese side Boavista. The 25-year-old forward joined the club last year after a stint with MLS side Houston Dynamo.
As per A Bola, West Ham United are one of two Premier League sides interested in signing Elis, with Southampton also in the race. The report claims that Brighton and Watford were also previously interested in signing the 25-year-old. The Portuguese side are demanding a fee of around €10 million for the Honduran international.
Alberth Elis scored 8 goals and set up 6 for Boavista in the Portuguese league last season. His current deal with Boavista expires in 2024.
Alberth Elis: What will he add to the team?
Alberth Elis is a strong and physical forward, who has played in different roles in attack. He started off as a right-sided winger but has moved into a central position, playing as the main striker more recently. The right-footed forward is a skillful player, who has a bag of tricks and flicks and likes to play in the channels. The 25-year-old is good at holding up the ball and bringing his teammates into the attack.
Elis is superb in the air, winning an average of 2.2 aerial balls per game in the Portuguese league last season. The attacker averaged 1.3 dribbles per game and took an average of 1.6 shots on goal. The Honduran is a versatile forward who can play all across the front line and can cause trouble with his dribbling and power in attack.
West Ham United will need to make a few additions to their squad ahead of the 2021-22 season as they will compete in the Europa League, which will require a squad with depth. The Hammers look light in attack, especially up front, as Michail Antonio is the only option as the main striker. Manager David Moyes will require a few players who he can use when he rotates the squad, and that’s where Elis could fit in. It’s too early to say if the Honduran national will be a success in the Premier League as he has played in Europe for just one season, and that too in Portugal, which isn’t the strongest league in the continent.
Alberth Elis, though, could be used in cup games – domestically and in Europe, and give Moyes some options in attack. The 25-year-old isn’t the answer to Moyes’ issues up front, but he could be a useful player, especially with his ability to play multiple positions.