Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Sat 9 May 2026 17:10, UK

West Ham United are said to be keen on signing Pape Moussa Fall this summer.

Whether it’s Premier League football or Championship football coming to the London Stadium next season, the Hammers have a lot of work to do on the recruitment front.

If they are relegated, a major squad overhaul will be required, and if they survive ahead of the final three games, some serious quality will be needed to prevent another relegation battle.

Goals have been an issue for the Irons, even after the signing of Taty Castellanmos, with a striker likely to be on the agenda again.

Fall has been linked with a move to West Ham, and while his numbers may be appealing, his profile suggests that the Hammers are going to make the same mistake that they have several times.

Pape Moussa Fall is not what West Ham need

Fall has had a good time of it on loan at RAAL La Louviere in the Belgian Pro League, having scored nine league goals while also registering an assist.

The forward is due to return to Metz in the summer, though for how long remains unknown, with interest from several clubs, including West Ham.

And on the face of it, it could be smart. Fall is reported to cost a fee in the region of £5.1million, which would be a risk worth taking for West Ham.

But only if his arrival is alongside a proven striker, which is what the Irons have lacked in the Premier League for several years.

For Fall to be linked before anyone who fits that bill makes it seem as though West Ham are going to make the same mistake again this summer.

West Ham need recruitment overhaul

Far too many of West Ham’s recent signings have been risks, and while you could argue every deal is a risk, there is a lot more optimism than can come from signing proven players.

Pablo is a prime example, having looked good in a league with far less quality, and then struggled to adapt to the Premier League.

West Ham risk the same outcome with Fall, albeit for a lower price.