West Ham United are reportedly set to face competition from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign Sparta Prague youngster Adam Hlozek.
According to a report from Fussball Transfers, West Ham United are interested in signing Czech Republic striker Adam Hlozek but will have to battle Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for the teenager’s transfer.
Hlozek is a product of the Sparta Prague youth setup. The centre-forward made his first-team debut in 2018 at the age of just 16 years and has been a regular for the side since, racking up 107 appearances in which he has produced a tally of 32 goals and 29 assists. A goalscorer and a creator, the 19-year-old has four goals and eight assists in 22 matches in the 2021/22 season.
Hlozek’s development with Sparta Prague has alerted some top clubs across Europe over his immense potential. Indeed, Liverpool had been linked with a summer move for the 12-time capped Czech Republic international, while West Ham United are now believed to be lining up a January move for the teenage striker.
The interest in Hlozek from West Ham makes a great deal of sense. David Moyes is currently operating with Michail Antonio as his only natural option in the No. 9 role. With the Hammers advancing to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League and pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League, adequate depth across all positions becomes imperative.
Hlozek, to that end, would be a viable option to consider as a backup option to Antonio. However, the east London outfit will now have to battle with German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to sign the 19-year-old.
Bayern Munich have to start planning for a future beyond superstar Robert Lewandowski, who is not getting any younger while his contract also runs out in a little over eighteen months. Signing someone like Hlozek, the Bavarians can have him learn the trick of the trade under their main man over the next year or so before the youngster can take over the preferred option in the centre-forward role.
As for Borussia Dortmund, they too could do with adding another centre-forward to their ranks in the near future. Donyell Malen has struggled to hit the ground running in Germany since his summer transfer, while Erling Haaland continues to be linked with a move away next year. The Norwegian’s potential departure would leave a gaping hole in the side for the Black and Yellows, making Hlozek a viable target.
Apart from West Ham, Bayern and Dortmund, Hlozek is also on the radars of Juventus. It remains to be seen if any of these clubs make an approach for Hlozek in the immediate future.
