Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Mon 20 April 2026 18:10, UK

West Ham United have seemingly reignited their interest in FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju.

The Hammers were linked with the 21-year-old in the winter transfer window, but a move to the London Stadium never materialised.

Nuno Espirito Santo has turned the Hammers’ form around recently, but they could still do with another option upfront.

A report from Estadio Deportivo on 19 April claims that Real Betis have enquired about his services, but also named the Irons as one of the clubs that are monitoring him.

West Ham need reinforcements in the summer, and the Guinea-Bissau forward would certainly fit the bill, given his immense record so far this season.

West Ham face stiff competition for Franculino

Franculino has been on West Ham’s radar for a while, and he seems to be back on it, but they may have to act quickly to secure a deal.

The report claims that the Danish club rates him at £21.8million, but there is “fierce competition” for his services, and not just with Betis, who have made contact over his signature.

It states that Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and Roma and FC Barcelona are looking at him, alongside the E20 side.

What does it mean for West Ham’s other strikers?

Taty Castellanos, Callum Wilson and Pablo are the main options for the Hammers at the moment, but the deal could affect them.

The Argentine is probably safe, given that he has scored five goals in his first 16 games for the club.

However, the other two could be at risk, Pablo has struggled to settle so far, since joining from Gil Vicente, and Wilson is not expected to remain after the end of the season.

That leaves a potential gap for Franculino to come in and stake a claim for a starting role, especially if he can repeat the form that he has shown in Scandinavia.

The Hammers may face tough competition, but given the room that they have, they may be able to present a convincing proposal to the player, he would be close to a starting spot, with less pressure to succeed instantly than if he moved to an elite club.

It may all depend on Nuno’s side staying up.