West Ham want ‘exceptional’ talent who was once labelled the next Jude Bellingham
West Ham’s latest transfer target has had high praise throughout his career.
West Ham have a chance – a slim one nonetheless- of avoiding relegation this season, with their ability to do so set to be decided by the business they do in the final stages of the winter transfer window.
As things stand, the only real news concerns exits from the London Stadium, with Guido Rodriguez set for a move to Valencia, and Mateus Fernandes loosely linked with Man City.
However, there are a few incoming rumblings for the Irons that could be worth taking note of, with the latest target once labelled the new Jude Bellingham.
Yaser Asprilla could be a smart signing for West Ham
Reports from Spain emerged on Wednesday linking West Ham with a move to sign Yaser Asprilla, with it claimed that it could take a fee in the region of £30million this winter to bring him to the London Stadium.
The 22-year-old Colombian is most known for his time with Watford in the Championship, having largely struggled since he made the permanent move to Girona in LaLiga back in the summer of 2024.
Asprilla has started just six times for the City Football Group-owned club, having also failed to register a goal or an assist in 605 minutes of action.
However, his quality was on show throughout his spell in England, when Watford’s sporting director Gianluca Nani waxed lyrical about the talent he witnessed at Vicarage Road.
As quoted by Forbes, he said: “The new Bellingham? I’d say Asprilla. He isn’t as physical as Bellingham, but he reads the game very well, and his first touch is exceptional.“
His time in the Championship saw him complete 58 per cent of his attempted dribbles, while also registering seven goals and 10 assists across two campaigns.
West Ham’s transfer strategy is smart, but risky
West Ham have also been linked with Dan Neil from Sunderland this month – another player who has thrived at the Championship level, but has yet to showcase his quality at a higher level.
These are the types of transfers that can bring big rewards, but also pose a huge risk.
West Ham need proven quality to stay in the Premier League, and neither Asprilla nor Neil would provide that, though it’s not to say that they wouldn’t provide the ability, so to speak.
Worst-case scenario, which is already looking likely, the Irons go down, and they have two excellent Championship players.
It isnt a strategy to spark optimism, but it is one that could pay off either short-term or long-term.
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