The Breakdown on West Ham’s Potential Haller Replacement

West Ham have been linked with many replacements for Sebastien Haller, but links to Patson Daka are building momentum.

Currently playing his trade for Red Bull Salzburg, Patson Daka has risen to become one of the hottest prospects in Europe. West Ham have now started to be linked with the striker as they look to try and find a suitable replacement for Sebastien Haller.

There were many reasons why Haller did not succeed at the London stadium. One of which was a failure to adapt to West Ham’s play style. It is imperative that his replacement can fit into David Moyes’ style and importantly score goals.

The Zambian can definitely score goals. Daka has excelled since settling in Austria scoring forty-nine goals in 100 matches for Salzburg. Of course, the Austrian Football Bundesliga is not the same level as the Premier League, but Daka is ready to make the step up.

The 22-year-old’s performances have seen him attract some top admirers. Arsenal and Tottenham are two other clubs that have been linked with a move for Daka. West Ham, however, does have some cash to spend following Haller’s sale and could jump to the head of the queue. The Hammer’s are even believed to be in negotiations with Salzburg over a deal for the player.

GSH spoke to Journalist Ben Bocsak, who is close to Daka’s coach, an expert on the player and has done some great research on the player’s background. To find out more about the striker and if a move is realistic.

• Why would Daka choose West Ham?

"Moving to West Ham would be a natural progression for Patson. He’s a player who grew up idolising Luis Suarez playing in the Premier League, so it’s definitely a ‘dream’ move so to say. He would also have more playing opportunities with West Ham compared to bigger clubs, but would still compete at one of the best leagues in the world. The lure of that is hard to turn down. Especially considering his agent Frederic Kanoute created some fond memories with the club, so there’s a connection there as well."

• Would Daka be a good fit for the Hammers?

"Haller was never the right fit for West Ham and David Moyes. His defensive work-rate was just not enough. But Daka’s is the exact opposite. Salzburg were one of the best high-pressing teams in the Champions League Group Stages this season. Daka’s work-rate is exemplary. He has averaged 2.12 interceptions per 90 minutes this season."

"He makes 2.76 recoveries per 90 in the opposition half. These are impressive stats for a forward, and it shows he could be an astute signing for West Ham. Of course, on top of that, Daka is lightning quick, he’s pretty physical so adapting to the Premier League should not be a problem, and he could benefit from West Ham’s crossing too just like he benefited with Szoboszlai’s deliveries at Salzburg. He and Soucek could be a frightening partnership in the box for the Hammers."

• What is the likelihood of the transfer happening?

"I think Daka’s time at Salzburg is coming to an end. He’s surpassed that level, and a move could be imminent. He’s a player who would probably prefer a Premier League move. His camp want him to go to a club where he will play regularly. West Ham can certainly offer that. Kanoute has a link with West Ham too. The omens are good. If the interest is genuine, I think this deal might have a high probability."

The Hammers have a lot of factors in their favour in any pursuit of Daka. The player is likely to cost more than £20 million but could prove to be worth every penny. West Ham needs to sign a striker this month as Michail Antonio is the squads only senior striker available.

The bonus that former Hammer Frederic Kanoute is the player’s agent could give them an extra edge in negotiations. A move for Daka would certainly show the fans a lot more ambition then moves for Graziano Pellè or Joshua King.