West Ham United have reportedly become the latest club to join the race to sign VfB Stuttgart forward Sasa Kalajdzic, a target for Tottenham.
According to SportBild, West Ham United have expressed interest in Sasa Kalajdzic. The VfB Stuttgart forward is likely to depart the club in the summer, with the Bundesliga outfit valuing him at around €25 million. West Ham have become the latest side to explore the possibility of a summer swoop for the young attacker.
Aside from the Hammers, Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs keeping tabs on Kalajdzic. The Austrian international is courted by other clubs as well, including Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
However, Dortmund are on the verge of signing Sebastien Haller, while Bayern Munich have roped in Sadio Mane to replace Robert Lewandowski next season. The report even goes on to suggest the forward is likely to move to England this summer, with West Ham and Tottenham battling for his services.
Standing at 2 metres, Kalajdzic is highly distinguished for his tall figure and aerial presence inside the box. He also has the knack for being at the right place at the right time, which helped him plunder 16 goals in the Bundesliga during the 2020/21 campaign.
Kalajdzic’s progress at Stuttgart, though, was marred by injuries this past season. The Austrian could only make 15 league appearances, scoring six goals. To his credit, he did score in the final day victory over 1.FC Koln that helped Stuttgart retain their top-flight status.
However, Stuttgart’s survival does not guarantee a prolonged stay for the towering forward, especially amid interest from top clubs across Europe. West Ham, for one, have included Kalajdzic in their transfer shortlist this summer, as coach David Moyes looks to bring in a new centre-forward.
West Ham’s list of targets are led by Italian duo Giacomo Raspadori and Gianluca Scamacca, but Kalajdzic could be a useful alternative due to his aerial prowess and physicality in the final third, making him an ideal fit for the Londoners. And West Ham have already established contact with Kalajdzic over a possible summer move.
Tottenham, too, could be another potential destination for the Stuttgart starlet, although it is difficult to imagine him joining Spurs just to serve as a deputy for Harry Kane. The Englishman is set to remain in north London this summer, so Tottenham’s pursuit of Kalajdzic suggests Antonio Conte is looking for a reliable alternative for Kane.
However, with Tottenham not in a position to offer regular game-time to the 24-year-old, it won’t be surprising to see the VfB Stuttgart frontman consider a move to London Stadium this summer.
