Tim Steidten must avoid West Ham United transfer mistake amid Alexander Sorloth development
West Ham United’s busy summer transfer window isn’t yielding too much success thus far.
Technical director Tim Steidten was a busy man during the summer months, shelling out big money to strengthen the Hammers’ squad for new boss Julen Lopetegui.
Among those was Niklas Fullkrug, the 31-year-old Germany international who the Irons forked out a reported £27.5million for to bring him from Borussia Dortmund (Sky Sports).
Eyebrows were raised at paying such big money and handing out a four-year deal to a player in their 30s at the time and the fact that injuries have restricted him to just four appearances and one start (in the EFL Cup) only exacerbates those questions.
According to the Sunday People‘s print edition (13 October, page 60), the Hammers are now eyeing a bid for Alexander Sorloth due to fears over the fitness of Fullkrug.
West Ham need to avoid Alexander Sortloth transfer mistake
Sorloth was a name linked with a move to West Ham from Villarreal during that busy summer but he instead was signed by Atletico Madrid.
The People reported that Sorloth was watched by Hammers scouts as he scored in Norway’s win over Slovenia in the Nations League on Thursday.
But in truth, it is a deal they should look to avoid. Sorloth scored 23 LaLiga goals for Villarreal last term, but has just one in nine for Atleti this season – indeed that is his only goal from 11 appearances across all competitions.
Moreover, his last stint in the Premier League with Crystal Palace failed to yield a single Premier League goal – albeit he was much younger during his time with the Eagles.
The thing is, there has been a history of poor transfer signings at West Ham. It remains to be seen if Fullkrug should be added to that because injuries have denied us a proper look at him in an Irons shirt.
Sorloth, if Atleti would even talk about letting him go anyway, would represent another gamble and moreover another gamble on a player fast approaching 30.
Surely it would make more sense to spend money on a younger talent, one they could look to fit Lopetegui’s system.
Ideally, yes there would be an upgrade on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, and to be honest another forward to supplement Fullkrug would be ideal.
But Sorloth just feels like a transfer mistake waiting to happen and it is one that Steidten should be definitely looking to avoid.
In other West Ham news, here are season player ratings for Hammers stars so far this term.
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