West Ham chase Russian striker as Transfer Window closes

West Ham are reportedly chasing Russian striker Fedor Smolov. Whilst unlikely, club officials are trying to sort a move in the next two days.

Do nothing for 26 days, then try and sort all your business in 5 days. It sounds like the behavior you tell students off for, but it also seems to be the way West Ham work. Whilst I understand things can take time, why the last few days always gets frantic I will never know.

Ignoring that, I’m hopeful this news will come to fruition. Obviously we’ve only got two days but Sky Sports are reporting that the club are looking to sign Russian captain and Krasnodor hitman Fedor Smolov for a fee of around 12m. Not exactly a groundbreaking deal, but one that could help the Hammers.

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

Smolov is 27 years old and captains his nation, so is looking for top level football ahead of the world cup. He is a strong player but can also play wide as well as centrally, adding another versatile player to Moyes’ squad. But he would also nicely fill the gap left by Sakho.

The 12m fee would represent solid business, but it is rumoured that the board are after a loan move before a buy. Whilst I understand this makes sense financially, it has to stop. Most clubs aren’t willing to accept this kind of deal and it unsettles the player as well. They are constantly under examination and also have the issue of where they will be next season hanging over them. A 12m fee should be easy enough for a club like us to afford.

Next: Hammers dumped out of FA Cup

The club should be looking to get a striker like Smolov in, because otherwise we have no figurehead. Chicharito is a poacher we’re not using properly, Carroll is constantly injured and Martinez is too young and too similar to Chicharito to succeed under Moyes in these conditions. Smolov should have enough quality and experience to help the Hammers move up the table.

Home/Transfer Rumors