Shinji Okazaki
If West Ham were destined and 100% guaranteed to be signing a free agent striker, then thank the lord Malaga cut Shinji Okazaki. He’s not a lock to be brought in by Manuel Pellegrini, but having the decision made more difficult by viable options is certainly a welcomed circumstance.
The reason why Okazaki was cut is also interesting. The Japanese striker joined the Spanish side after after his contract was not renewed by Leicester City this offseason. Financial trouble at Malaga forced the owner of the team to cut him along with four other players in order to get the team’s finances in line.
OFFICIAL: Málaga CF have confirmed they have terminated the contract of Shinji Okazaki.
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) September 3, 2019
The Spanish club signed him on July 30th following his release from Leicester City. pic.twitter.com/2686fMx9yW
The 33-year-old forward was looking to revive his career with Malaga, a team linked with Pellegrini and Mario Husillos in the past. At his age options would certainly be limited in Europe, so a lifeline back to arguably the most competitive and “best” league in the world would probably be welcomed by him.
Would West Ham have a use for him? Sure, as mentioned their options at striker are limited right now, but do his playstyle and recent history suggest he can make an impact? That is a different story.
He made 21 appearances last season for Leicester but only started in one match where he collected a season-high 70 minutes played. Outside of this start, Okazaki managed just 199 more minutes and one goal contribution in Premier League action. Okazaki was used sparingly behind Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho, and it appears there was a solid reason why. The veteran forward just may be past it.