West Ham United join Chris Fuhrich race as £17.1million update emerges from VfB Stuttgart
West Ham have joined the race to sign VfB Stuttgart’s Chris Fuhrich ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports Germany.
The online source reported [12 March] that the 26-year-old has attracted interest from RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, as well as the Hammers.
It is understood that, having signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga outfit until 2028, the new deal included a release clause in the region of £17.1million.
Could Chris Fuhrich be the answer to West Ham United’s attacking problems?
Michail Antonio’s injury woes have taken their toll on the Hammers this season, even despite only netting twice in the Premier League so far.
While the 33-year-old was unavailable, David Moyes deployed Jarrod Bowen as an out-and-out striker. Although he is the club’s top scorer this campaign, with 17 goals in all competitions, it is by no means a permanent solution.
Fuhrich is naturally a left winger but possesses the ability to play as a centre-forward, boasting seven goals and seven assists in 25 Bundesliga matches so far.
But rather than replacing Bowen or Antonio up front, West Ham should be far more worried about the potential exit of Lucas Paqueta, who has been gaining interest from Manchester City.
The German international, who claimed his debut in a 3-1 friendly victory against the US in October, could be a ready-made replacement for Paqueta, but certainly a very different type of player.
Should the Brazilian exit the London Stadium during the summer transfer window, the huge price tag could help bring in multiple talents, like Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal did in July 2023.
Just over £17million would be an absolute steal for a winger currently lighting up the Bundesliga, while Stuttgart continue to push Bayern Munich and Dortmund for a top-four spot and a chance of playing Champions League football next season.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have their eye on “bigger” replacements at manager amid an update on a former player returning.
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