West Ham United transfer claim made on ex Liverpool striker Divock Origi as Gianluca Scamacca future unclear
Former Liverpool and current AC Milan striker Divock Origi is understood to be on the radar of West Ham, claims journalist Dean Jones.
The former Eurosport writer told Give Me Sport [31 July] that he is an option along with Chelsea’s Armando Broja and one of the two can end up at the London Stadium this summer.
Gianluca Scamacca faces an uncertain future at the club and his exit could open the door for perhaps the 28-year-old Belgium international to join.
Jones said, “No formal bid has landed yet but Scamacca’s clearly got eyes for Roma and at some stage this summer I think West Ham are going to have to accept they need to be more lenient in regards to the terms he can leave on.
“It’s funny to me that they chase someone like Denis Zakaria at Juventus, but only want a loan, yet when someone comes to them with a similar proposal they won’t listen. Something is going to have to give in both these situations in my opinion.
“Scamacca needs to be replaced if he is going to leave, I get that. But there are options that aren’t going to cost a fortune.
“Origi would be an option and West Ham have had interest in both him and Armando Broja for such a long time it feels like one of them eventually pulls on the shirt.
“Players at different ends of their career, it feels like, but Origi is still only 28 and if he could find consistency in terms of form and fitness I really think he would be a decent signing.”
Shrewd?
Gazzetta Dello Sport reported on 24 July that the Hammers would need to shell out an £8.6million fee in order to secure his services.
That may not be the worst idea in the world for a player who’s won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool.
He’s got the experience of playing in England and can prove to be a valuable and cost-effective option should Gianluca Scamacca leave.
According to Claret and Hugh on 29 July, there were claims that the Belgian and his agent jetted into London, although a meeting with the Hammers was not understood to be on the cards then.
However, these things change very quickly and if Scamacca aims to force a move away, David Moyes may just decide to sanction his exit once a replacement is signed.
Whatever the decision is, it needs to be made quickly as time is of the essence and the new season is just around the corner.
In other West Ham news, the club have now opened advanced talks with a Premier League player who appears to be open on leaving his side this summer.