Exclusive: McAvennie wants Hwang to be like Antonio if West Ham sign RB Leipzig striker
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie hopes RB Leipzig striker Hwang Hee-Chan is more like Michail Antonio than Sebastien Haller if West Ham sign the South Korea international on deadline day.
Sky Sports reported last week that the Irons are in talks over a possible deal to sign the 25-year-old centre-forward and with the transfer window closing at 11pm tonight (Monday), football.london have added that Hwang would be available on loan.
It is understood that if David Moyes is going to sign a striker on deadline day it would either be the RB Leipzig ace or Bournemouth’s Josh King.
And if Hwang is anything like Antonio, ex-West Ham striker McAvennie is more than happy to see a deal done.
When asked if signing Hwang could represent a risk similar to the Haller deal, McAvennie told West Ham Zone: “Haller wasn’t David Moyes’ signing so whoever comes in will be able to fit the system.”
“I think David will cover all the angles. Haller was just the wrong fit, the wrong character, the wrong everything. He was wrong for West Ham.
“I hope the boy does well at Ajax because he’s a talent.
“I like a G.I. Joe like Antonio up front, he chases everything and fights for everything – that’s my kind of player. If [Hwang] is anything like that then bring him on.”
Hwang only joined RB Leipzig in the summer but has since struggled for game-time in Germany by only playing nine times in all competitions.
The South Korea international has scored one goal, which came against German second-tier club Nuremberg in the German Cup.
Hwang has shown ability to score goals in Europe though.
Before joining Leipzig, he played for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and last season, the centre-forward scored 16 goals and supplied 22 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Hwang scored against Liverpool in the Champions League and against Frankfurt in the Europa League.
There’s clearly a talent in this player that is ready to be unlocked and based on Moyes’ signings so far, we don’t have any reason to doubt the Hammers manager’s moves in the transfer market.
We need a striker on deadline day and if it was Hwang, we’d be more than happy.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have reportedly offered Winston Reid to Liverpool.