West Ham Interested In The Austrian Peter Crouch
After selling Sebastien Haller in January, West Ham have been looking far and wide for a new striker to support star man Michail Antonio. David Moyes’ side have now been linked with Austrian forward Sasa Kalajdzic, who has been likened to Peter Crouch due to his tall frame and play style. Kalajdzic is a lot more than a new version of the former England striker.
The 23-year-old is currently playing in the German Bundesliga for VfB Stuttgart and has notched 13 goals and has assisted four goals for his teammates this season. This goal contribution record surpasses that of any of the current West Ham players this season by a long way. However, records count for nothing if they can’t replicate them in the Premier League.
The one thing that would count in Kalajdzic’s favour is he is playing for Stuttgart. The German side are not one of the best sides in the league and are currently ninth in the 18 team league. The current level that West Ham are performing at would be a step up for the Austrian, but it could be one that he is capable of doing.
West Ham could revolutionise their attacking style by opting to sign the giant striker Sasa Kalajdzic from VfB Stuttgart.
Standing at 6-foot-6-inches Kalajdzic is a towering striker and is, of course, very good in the air with the advantage his height give him. The Austrian is not a typical target man that can only head a ball. Kalajdzic is also very good technically and likes to help build-up play, and is good at conducting dangerous passes for his teammates.
The main concern with the striker would be his pace or lack of. Moyes’ side has surged up the league table thanks to the pace and power of Michail Antonio, and his replacement/back-up should be able to play in a similar style. The lack of movement from Haller affected the fluidity of the Hammers attack, and they should not sign Kalajdzic if he can not do the job Antonio does.
Kalajdzic would reportedly only cost the club £15 million, which could rise with RB Leipzig and Roma also interested in the striker. A figure that is much less than the rumoured prices of other targets like Ivan Toney and Abdallah Sima. If he can adapt to Moyes’ philosophy, the Austrian could be a good backup target but should not be at the top of the list.
Next. Irons Predicted Eleven To Take On Leeds. dark
The last time West Ham signed an Austrian attacker was Marko Arnautovic, and though he was brilliant on the pitch, there were countless issues off the pitch. If Kalajdzic does become a Hammer, fans will be hoping he could replicate half of the Arnautovic experience.