West Ham plan £26m bid for CF’s ‘machine’

Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham United are exhibiting indicators of enchancment, however there’s nonetheless a lot work to do if they’re to keep away from the specter of relegation from the Premier League.

West Ham’s inconsistency has put them within the drop zone, however a half-full mentality will let you know Nuno’s eight objectives in 4 video games means the workforce’s understanding of the brand new system is rising tighter and tighter.

Nevertheless, that is additionally a unstable and anxiety-provoking place. Former technical director Tim Steiten has left a lot to be desired when it comes to recruitment, and there’s now a necessity for reinforcements each on the prime and throughout the backline.

West Ham must signal a striker

Niklas Flukrug’s £27m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to the London Stadium didn’t go to plan. Accidents have been the most important deterrent for the German striker, who has scored simply three objectives in 29 video games and appears set to go away the membership within the winter forward of the 2026 World Cup.

The 32-year-old is certainly set to depart in January, probably returning to his homeland, however that leaves West Ham in a clumsy place, with Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson in want of assist.

Assist may very well be on the best way within the type of Santiago Jimenez, with Italian outlet Il Messaggero reporting that the Mexican ahead is destined for the Premier League, with the Irons reportedly one of many golf equipment who may provide a bid of round €30m (about £26m).

Sunderland are additionally and given Milan are prepared to promote the 24-year-old for round that value, the Londoners will should be nimble to get a deal accomplished.

What Santiago Jimenez brings to West Ham

Jimenez stands 6 toes 1 inch tall and has a bodily, imposing and aggressive profile. On this respect, he could be the right substitute for Furkrug. His physicality and focus within the field are among the many greatest in Europe.

Jiménez, who joined AC Milan from Feyenoord final winter, has made a robust begin to his profession in Serie A, scoring 5 objectives and offering two assists within the second half of the 2024-25 marketing campaign, showing in 14 video games and solely beginning seven of them.

Nevertheless, he has struggled this season below coach Massimiliano Allegri and is but to attain for Italy’s prime workforce. Jimenez remains to be comparatively younger, has the athleticism to reach the Premier League, and has been hailed as a “machine” within the field by expertise scout Jacek Kulig prior to now, so he may very well be an ideal match on the entrance of Nuno’s system.

His specific strategy suggests he’s the right match for Nuno’s West Ham undertaking, and Chris Wooden, who has spearheaded the Portuguese tactician’s unbelievable tenure on the helm of Nottingham Forest and performed a prolific talismanic position, will show that.

Wooden is without doubt one of the most bodily and commanding strikers of current occasions. Certainly, his mix of scientific taking pictures, steely hold-up play and clever motion allowed him to blossom into “top-of-the-line gamers within the Prem,” as reporter Jamie Martin claimed.

And their time in Nuno’s system has been a match made in heaven for each gamers. Now, Jimenez may set up himself as a brand new model, particularly given the belief and care he lacked all through his 12 months in Italy.

Below supervisor Espirito Santo, Wooden loved maybe probably the most fruitful interval of his profession, scoring 20 objectives in 36 Premier League video games as Difficult Bushes secured their place in Europe.

Jimenez may play an analogous position on this West Ham squad, and may very well be the catalyst for a change in assault after a tough chapter within the membership’s fashionable historical past.