www.claretandhugh.info
West Ham Exclusive: Hammers Look to Break Transfer Record With Striker Bid
Gonzo
2 – 3 minutes
West Ham have made a sensational bid for a striker that would break the club’s transfer record.
Lucas Paquetá currently holds the record as West Ham’s most expensive signing, following his £50m move from Lyon. The deal was structured as £37m up front with add-ons based on appearances and the Hammers’ Europa Conference League triumph in Prague.
But now, West Ham have attempted to smash that figure with an ambitious offer for Porto striker Samuel Omorodion Aghehowa.
Yesterday,ExWHUEmployee reported that West Ham had sent scouts to watch several players in the Benfica v Porto match. One of the players named was Omorodion — and Claret & Hugh can now reveal that an approach has been made for the in-form forward.
Omorodion has had an exceptional debut season following his move from Atlético Madrid, and West Ham’s interest is no surprise.
Samu Omorodion
Samu Omorodion is a transfer target for West Ham
Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends. The Hammers are well short of Porto’s asking price, having already rejected bids of €60m for the striker.
C&H understands that Porto want closer to €80m (£68m), and Omorodion is believed to be seeking wages of around £180k per week — numbers West Ham simply cannot match.
New Irons boss Graham Potter and recruitment chief Kyle Macaulay are understood to have instructed the club to try to secure the 20-year-old striker, but the move is now considered out of reach.
It will no doubt be a huge source of frustration for everyone at West Ham. Omorodion was available for under £20m just last summer, and the club were seriously interested — but ultimately opted to sign Niclas Füllkrug instead.
