Tim Steidten can solve West Ham United problem after what Yuri Alberto said
Long-term West Ham transfer target Yuri Alberto’s willingness to leave Corinthians if the price is right should alert Tim Steidten in January.
In an interview with Placar TV (8 November), Yuri said that while he’s happy with the Brazilian side after pushing to leave in the summer, he would still be open to a transfer if all parties can agree to the sale.
The Irons weighed up making an approach for the 23-year-old striker during the previous transfer window [BolaVIP, 29 July], and with Niclas Fullkrug still out injured, going back in for the Brazilian would be a wise move from technical director Steidten.
Alberto said: “I’m very happy here but, if an offer comes along that’s positive for me and Corinthians and we can reach an agreement for the sale to happen, great.
“If not, I’m happy too. When I got an offer (in the summer), I told my agent – ‘Man, I think my cycle here is over’.
“I did want to leave, but that’s God’s plan for my life.”
Yuri Alberto could be the answer to West Ham striker worries
Over a dozen strikers, four managers (including David Moyes twice) and even an entire stadium move have come and gone since 2015, but the Irons just can’t seem to find a viable alternative to Michail Antonio.
Fullkrug is the latest attempt at plugging the significant gap which is left whenever Antonio isn’t in the team, but with just one start, three substitute appearances and no goals so far, things haven’t gone well.
The recruitment of Julen Lopetegui and Steidten has been called into question following the club’s poor start to the season, with their decision to opt for Fullkrug over Jhon Duran looking increasingly poor.
While Aston Villa will be in no mood to let Duran go in January – he’s scored eight goals despite starting just three times this season – Corinthians may be open to selling Alberto, as was the case in the summer [Graeme Bailey, 30 July].
It remains to be seen if the under-pressure Lopetegui is still at the helm when January comes around, but with their striker problem more evident than ever, pursuing Alberto could be the start of a solution.
In other West Ham news, David Ornstein spoke to a well-placed club source regarding Julen Lopetegui’s future at the London Stadium.
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