“GOODNEWS”- Better than Fullkrug: West Ham could sign surprise CF who’s a “monster
West Ham United remains actively engaged in the summer transfer market, with a notable emphasis on strengthening their striking options. As they prepare for the 2024/25 Premier League season, addressing their goal-scoring challenges from the number nine position is a key priority.
Last season, Jarrod Bowen emerged as a standout performer, becoming the first West Ham player in nearly two decades to score over 20 goals in a single campaign. This achievement was particularly impressive given that Bowen was often played out of position as a striker due to the team’s lack of a traditional centre-forward. The last time a West Ham player reached the 20-goal milestone was during the 2004/05 season, when Teddy Sheringham and Marlon Harewood both achieved this feat. Bowen’s performance underscores the pressing need for the club to find a dedicated striker who can consistently deliver goals.
Throughout the previous season, West Ham’s main strikers were Michail Antonio and Danny Ings. Despite their efforts, the duo managed to score only eight goals across 62 appearances, amassing a total of 2,798 minutes on the pitch. Antonio was the more prolific of the two, netting seven goals, while Ings could only contribute a single goal. This underlines a significant shortfall in their striking department, emphasizing the need for reinforcements.
Recent speculation has linked West Ham with a potential loan move for young striker Samu Omorodion from Chelsea. This move was reportedly influenced by Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, a long-term target. With Osimhen reportedly pushing for a move and being left out of Napoli’s Coppa Italia squad, it seemed possible that West Ham could seize the opportunity to secure Omorodion on loan. However, recent developments have suggested that Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen has now fallen through, leaving Omorodion’s future uncertain and potentially opening the door for other interested clubs, including West Ham.
Omorodion, who spent the previous season on loan at Alaves and Atlético, made 36 appearances in all competitions. During this time, he scored nine goals, provided one assist, and accumulated 2,096 minutes of play. His performance has garnered attention, and there is speculation that West Ham could make a move for him if the opportunity arises.
When comparing Omorodion to another striker, Niklas Fullkrug, the differences in their careers and playing styles become evident. Fullkrug, at 31 years old, had a highly successful season in 2023/24, scoring 16 goals and providing ten assists for Dortmund. In contrast, Omorodion, described as a “monster in the making” by scout Jacek Kulig, had a season marked by both promise and inconsistency. He notably missed the most big chances in La Liga last season, with nine missed opportunities. However, this should not overshadow his potential, as his frequent positioning in goal-scoring situations reflects strong striking instincts and movement.
Both Omorodion and Fullkrug are imposing target men who excel in aerial duels. Omorodion averages 2.75 aerials won per 90 minutes, while Fullkrug leads with 3.49. Their approaches to using their physicality differ: Omorodion often relies on backing into defenders and winning aerial battles directly, while Fullkrug combines physical presence with strategic movement to secure his duels.
Fullkrug’s recent performance includes a higher number of penalty area touches, averaging 5.05 per 90 minutes, and a greater shot volume compared to Omorodion. This results in a marginally higher expected goals (xG) per 90 for Fullkrug (0.48) compared to Omorodion (0.52). While Omorodion’s finishing and composure need improvement, his potential is evident. With further development in these areas, he could become a highly effective striker capable of delivering significant goal-scoring returns.
As the transfer window progresses, West Ham United’s pursuit of a new striker remains a critical focus. With potential targets like Omorodion on their radar, the club’s efforts to address their striking deficiencies could be key to their success in the upcoming Premier League season.
