West Ham learn Ajax conditions to sign Brian Brobbey
West Ham United will need to commit to an obligation to buy or a straight fee for Brian Brobbey with no chance of a straight loan, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano posted on X (24 January) to claim that Ajax have no interest in sanctioning a straight loan without a promise of a future sale.
The Netherlands striker, who turns 23 next week, has been linked with a switch to the London Stadium as the Hammers ramp up their recruitment drive in the winter window.
Brobbey, who has seven full Dutch caps, is one of several strikers the Irons are monitoring.
Romano shared: "West Ham have made contact for [Brian] Brobbey deal with Ajax but no chance for straight loan move.
"Obligation to buy or permanent transfer needed to advance in negotiations, as Ajax have no plans to accept a loan."
West Ham desperately seek striker deal as priority
The Irons are currently working overtime to bring a striker into Graham Potter's squad, with injuries plaguing the new head coach's selection.
Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug will spend considerable time on the sidelines and are very unlikely to be able to contribute further this season, while Danny Ings is the only senior fit striker.
Potter has been temporarily adopting a false nine system due to the lack of options he has, and even Jarrod Bowen has not even been able to play a part in that due to his own injury issue.
Brobbey is one of a number of centre-forwards on the Hammers' radar - he is considerably younger than another target in Andre Silva, who could be a likelier loan deal while Ajax would strongly prefer to sell their man.
The East Londoners take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this Sunday as Potter looks to steer their season back to something even resembling their perceived summer ambition.
In other West Ham news, the latest on the potential pursuit of a fellow Premier League striker.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.