West Ham launch ambitious move for LaLiga striker as Ornstein reveals how Moyes can complete game-changing coup
West Ham have made a fresh approach to sign a Sevilla striker who recently scored a hat-trick, and how David Moyes can complete a difficult deal to make has been suggested.
After sixth and seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League, the Hammers have fallen back down to earth this season.
West Ham currently reside outside of the relegation zone on goal difference alone. Their mark of 15 goals scored is the joint-third lowest in the league.
The final third has been where Moyes’ men have struggled most this campaign. Jarrod Bowen hasn’t maintained the form that saw him force his way into England squads last season, while new recruits Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca are yet to ignite.
Few expect West Ham to go down given the calibre of player they possess. However, the longer they remain in the bottom third of the table, the more a relegation scrap will become their new reality.
To avoid such an outcome, the Athletic report a new approach has been lodged for a striker who West Ham hope can liven up their attacking ranks.
West Ham in for Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri
The Hammers previously bid €30m (approx. £26m) for Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri this time last year. The ever-reliable David Ornstein now reports a fresh approach has been made 12 months on.
En-Nesyri, 25, is yet to score in 12 LaLiga matches this term. However, he did plunder a hat-trick in Sevilla’s 5-0 thumping of third tier Linares Deportivo in the Copa del Rey last Wednesday.
He scored 18 league goals when completing a full campaign as recently as the 2020-21 season. He also bagged twice for Morocco at the World Cup and was given the nod to start every game they played. Clearly he’s a player who can find the net with regularity in the right environment.
Shedding light on West Ham’s proposal, Ornstein added an initial six-month loan deal has been explored.
That reportedly won’t be greeted warmly in Seville given they too are looking over their shoulder. Sevilla are 17th in LaLiga and losing a starting striker would only harm their chances of beating the drop.
A move is thus deemed difficult, though there is hope for Moyes and co.
Ornstein noted if West Ham committed to either an option or obligation to buy at season’s end, Sevilla might be more willing to play ball.
In any case, West Ham’s interest in En-Nesyri is termed ‘firm’. As such, a second or even third approach could conceivably be lodged if Sevilla knock back the first one.
Michail Antonio and Scamacca have combined for just five league goals between them this season. Adding new firepower appears to be the priority at present and the addition of En-Nesyri could change the course of West Ham’s season entirely.
