Gaetan Laborde has emerged as a top target for West Ham as David Moyes look to snap up the Montpellier forward.
According to Foot Mercato, West Ham are ready to take advantage of Gaetan Laborde’s precarious situation by prising him away from France. The Montpellier forward is coming on the back of a successful 2020/21 campaign but is facing an uncertain future at the club.
Laborde’s current contract at Montpellier expires in 2023, but the club is open to offloading him if a suitable offer comes through. It has put West Ham on red alert, with the Premier League outfit ready to improve their attacking ranks by signing the explosive forward.
Formerly of Bordeaux, Laborde has had a steady rise to prominence since his move to Montpellier. Last season was by far the most productive one of his career, with the forward forming one of the deadliest attacking duos in France alongside Andy Delort.
Laborde netted 18 goals in 38 matches while chipping in with eight assists. With almost 60 goal involvements in less than 120 competitive matches, the 27-year-old has made quite a name for himself in Ligue 1.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed either, with West Ham prepared to sign him as a potential support or a backup for Michail Antonio. The Frenchman fits David Moyes’ profile perfectly as he is hard-working, versatile and is very good on the counter, making him a tailor-made fit for the team’s tactical philosophy.
It appears Laborde is being identified as a potential alternative to another top target in Divock Origi. One may even consider the Montpellier forward to be a better option due to his regular game-time and success he has had over the past three years or so. Having netted 16 goals in Ligue 1 last term, it won’t be surprising to see the attacker become a success at West Ham.
The Hammers, though, are primarily concerned about the number ten position. The club had failed to sign Jesse Lingard earlier but they have reportedly interesting in re-entering negotiations, with a serious desire to secure the services of the Manchester United star on a permanent deal this summer.
As for Gaetan Laborde, his future may depend on how West Ham fare in these remaining couple of weeks in the transfer market. Given his success last season, Montpellier will certainly demand a fortune as well, making it difficult for the Londoners to snap him up.
