West Ham could have found solution to goal-scoring woes but for £33m transfer collapse
West Ham are facing a serious problem through the middle of their attack this season.
Leeds United beat West Ham 2-1 on Friday, with Nuno Espirito Santo opting to play Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta at the head of his forward line.
The England international took two shots, but could not provide the Hammers with the presence needed against the home side’s backline.
Niclas Fullkrug is set to be “out for a while” according to Nuno, after the German suffered a muscle injury on international duty.
But even when fit, Fullkrug has been hugely disappointing for West Ham this season, and Callum Wilson and Callum Marshall do not represent attractive replacements.
West Ham attempted to sign Eli Junior Kroupi in January
West Ham entered talks to sign Eli Junior Kroupi from Lorient at the end of the last winter transfer window, with a deal worth around £33million discussed.
Ultimately, though, the young striker eventually joined Bournemouth, who fall under the same multi-club model as Lorient.
Kroupi was loaned back to the Ligue 2 club for the rest of the season, where he scored 23 goals across 32 games across all competitions.
Now, the 19-year-old has returned to the Cherries and has superbly started the season, likely leaving a bitter taste for West Ham.
Kroupi could have solved West Ham issue
Kroupi started the season from the bench, making brief appearances against Liverpool, Wolves and Tottenham.
But when the France Under-21 international scored a superb volley to earn Bournemouth a point against Leeds United in injury time, Andoni Iraola brought the youngster into the starting line-up.
The Spaniard has been rewarded massively, with Kroupi scoring a brilliant brace against Crystal Palace and netting against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Not only have Bournemouth unearthed a talent who has already taken over from £40.2m signing Evanilson in the Cherries’ attack, but they appear to have stumbled across an asset worth at least six times more than the reported £10m they signed him for.
| Eli Junior Kroupi | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.56 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Duels won | 2 |
| Recoveries | 7 |
Kroupi may not have enjoyed the same early success had he moved to West Ham, but the striker certainly would have provided a much more exciting option through the middle at the London Stadium.
With energy, pace, strong finishing and flawless technique, the 19-year-old appears to possess everything that Nuno’s current options lack.
This is just yet another high-profile miss from those in charge at the London Stadium.
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