Green Street Hammers
Fansided

West Ham Transfer News: (Kostas) Fortounis always hiding?

By Adam Smith

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - FEBRUARY 18: Kostas Fortounis of Olympiacos and Steven Defour of Anderlecht compete for the ball during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg match between Anderlecht and Olympiakos FC at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on February 18, 2016 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - FEBRUARY 18: Kostas Fortounis of Olympiacos and Steven Defour of Anderlecht compete for the ball during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg match between Anderlecht and Olympiakos FC at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on February 18, 2016 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The latest link to West Ham is out of Greece. Greek international and Olympiacos attacker Konstantinos Fortounis. Get to know the attacker and goalscorer who may be on his way to East London soon!

Positionally, Fortounis is potentially a fit as a secondary striker. The attacker seemed to patrol the attacking midfield as well as center-forward position for Olympiacos last season, committed almost entirely to the attacking side of the pitch.

When watching his highlights and skill videos, Fortounis is a natural ball carrier and attacker. As soon as he gets possession he turns up the pitch and initially sees how far he can carry the ball. When he’s off the ball, Fortounis is always looking to run in behind the defenders and get into the box.

I believe West Ham’s transfer of Fortounis would be to bring him in as a secondary striker or as cover for Lanzini and Wilshere in the attacking midfield. His proclivity to get into dangerous areas would make him a solid partner for Arnautovic who draws so much defensive attention. Plus, he offers great dead-ball delivery and freekick accuracy.

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

His rumored fee also does make him a low-risk-high-reward low money investment. €10m is the rumored fee, which could essentially be funded by the sale of Obiang who we know wants out. With 2 goals and 2 assists in two matches against Burnley this season, Fortounis already has shown he likes scoring against Premier League opposition, too!

The link to Fortounis also makes sense. West Ham, who recently decided to abandon the search for a new left-back had been heavily scouting Olympiacos fullback Leonardo Kourtis this season. With the decision to keep Cresswell and Masuaku, the attention falling on Fortounis makes sense as scouts would have seen him play quite a lot.

The 26-year-old also fits the narrative of a younger, dynamic team. His ability to play as a center-forward and midfielder also makes him a versatile player which Pellegrini has stated he prioritizes on his team.

Another interesting coincidence with Pellegrini’s transfer targets is Europa League experience. It is West Ham’s goal to get into the Europa League in the 2019/20 season (or higher) and bringing in players like Sebastien Haller or Kostas Fortounis who played extensively in the Europa League last season makes sense. Youth along with experience seems to be the mix Pellegrini wants. Say what you will about the Greek League, Fortounis supplies both.

Home/Transfer Rumors