West Ham United want to seal Simon Banza with sale set to be confirmed
West Ham are interested in signing Braga star Simon Banza this summer, with the striker unlikely to remain in Portugal, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese newspaper reported [4 June, page 12] that both the Hammers and Marseille are keeping tabs on the player, who has a £34million release clause, though clubs from UAE have already registered an interest.
It is understood that Braga are set for “astronomical” sales if Banza’s transfer is confirmed this summer, and that eventuality looks likely after he notched 21 league goals in the 2023/24 campaign.
West Ham United targeting Simon Banza as striker reinforcement
The 27-year-old striker has experienced a sensation season in Liga Portugal this season, notching 21 goals and four assists in 28 appearances as well as netting twice in the Europa League.
He also gained some valuable experience in the Champions League, starting four of Braga’s six group-stage matches before dropping down to the Europa League.
Banza has proven himself to be a decent centre-forward throughout his career, scoring 16 goals in 76 appearances for Lens, 17 goals in 33 appearances for Famalicao, and now 37 goals in 88 Braga games.
At the London Stadium, Julen Lopetegui could be looking to add another striker to the squad this summer, with Michail Antonio the only real option in the position.
While the 33-year-old will be keen to stay with the Hammers, his injury record will be a worry heading into the 2024/25 campaign, so Banza would add some much-needed cover.
Lopetegui has already started to make changes since taking over from David Moyes, though the club could miss out on two early transfers in Fabricio Bruno and Luis Guilherme.
The Dominican Republic of Congo striker would be creating a dynamic attack with the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, with Antonio likely to be used from the bench.
In other West Ham news, an update has emerged on the club’s pursuit to sign a striker who scored 33 goals in 2023/24.
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