West Ham United could reportedly rekindle their interest in a long-standing striker target, Moroccan international and Sevilla forward Youssef En-Nesyri, in the January transfer window.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, West Ham United will reportedly look to re-launch the offensive to sign Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri from Sevilla when the transfer market reopens in January.
Not long ago, En-Nesyri was regarded as one of the best strikers in Spain as he found the net 24 times in 52 games across all competitions during the 2020-21 campaign, including an impressive six Champions League strikes to his name. Indeed, he was a highly sought-after commodity in the transfer market at the time, with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona courting the 25-year-old striker.
He also became a key figure for the club and country in the process. However, he struggled to find his prolific form in front of goal during an injury-hit 2021-22 campaign, scoring just five times in 29 appearances across all boards.
That woeful rut has continued into the current season, with just 2 goals from 14 La Liga and Champions League games. He has even struggled to remain in the starting lineup for the Nervionenses this season. To date, the 25-year-old has made 122 appearances for Sevilla, chipping in with 37 goals and two assists in the process.
Because of the situation, the Sevilla hierarchy have not ruled out his departure during the upcoming transfer window. However, one thing is for certain: despite his consistent goal drought, they are not planning to let him go for cheap and would only entertain a sale if a suitable offer comes around.
The Andalusian club are hoping for a bidding war for their prized striker’s services should he excel at the ongoing World Cup, having scored 14 in 49 outings for his country. Per Calciomercato, the player’s long-term admirers West Ham United could make yet another push to bring the 25-year-old to the London Stadium in January.
The Hammers were on the verge of signing En-Nesyri in the summer of 2021 before Sevilla decided to rebuff the Irons’ €30 million offer for the Moroccan forward, insisting the player was not for sale. The Irons reportedly came back with a €40 million bid for the 25-year-old attacker last summer, which Sevilla knocked back again.
Instead, David Moyes brought Gianluca Scamacca to the London Stadium for around £30 million plus add-ons but could revisit their interest in the player, with the Andalusian club willing to let go of their forward this time around.
Ranking in the top 20% for tackles and top 7% for interceptions amongst his peers, the traditional front-man certainly possesses the tactical acumen and physical attributes to lead an efficient press. His aerial prowess, left-footedness, and ability to take high-volume shots per game, could bring out the best in underperforming forwards at the club, Gianluca Scamacca, and Michail Antonio.
That being said, this move has an element of risk about it, as there remains the question of whether they can get him back to his best again. He is a completely different player from the one that garnered interest from across Europe and has struggled for form and fitness in the last year or so.