West Ham United face a deepening crisis at the striker position, exacerbated by the recent injury to star forward Niclas Füllkrug. Germany national team manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed over the weekend, that Füllkrug suffered a torn thigh muscle, sidelining him until at least mid-December 2025. With only 36-year-old Callum Wilson and 20-year-old Callum Marshall as viable options, manager Nuno Espírito Santo may be forced to deploy a false 9 or revert Jarrod Bowen to a central role.
Rumors suggest Emmanuel Dennis could join on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Nottingham Forest, Nuno’s former club, in the summer transfer window. However, Dennis would be a temporary fix, as West Ham look to the January 2026 transfer window to secure a long-term solution. Three La Liga strikers—Endrick from Real Madrid, Abel Ruiz from Girona, and Sandro Ramírez from Las Palmas—have emerged as prime targets to bolster the Hammers’ attack.
Endrick - Real Madrid
First on West Ham’s radar is Real Madrid’s 19-year-old Brazilian wonderkid, Endrick. Described by Carlo Ancelotti as a “proper striker,” Endrick has dazzled despite limited minutes in the 2024/25 season, scoring seven goals across all competitions, including five in the Copa del Rey. His explosive pace, ranking in the top 10% among La Liga forwards, and elite close control (70% dribble success rate) allow him to glide past defenders, making him ideal for West Ham’s counter-attacking system. Though only 5'7", his powerful build and exceptional leaping ability (1.2 headers won per 90) make him an aerial threat, complementing Bowen’s pinpoint crosses.
Endrick’s two-footed finishing (50% conversion rate with his right foot) and flair would synergize with Brazilian countrymen Lucas Paqueta and Luis Guillerme. Paqueta and midfielder Matheus Fernandes, would be able to feed him passes all match long. While Endrick, is under contract with Real Madrid until 2030, is unlikely to join West Ham permanently, a January 2026 loan move is feasible. Despite competition from clubs like Sevilla and Dortmund, West Ham offer guaranteed first-team minutes and a focal role in attack, making them an attractive destination if Real Madrid prioritize his development ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Abel Ruiz - Girona
Another compelling option is Girona’s 25-year-old Spanish striker, Abel Ruiz, who is entering his prime. West Ham scouts were spotted multiple times during Girona’s 2024/25 Champions League campaign, and a failed summer bid suggests renewed interest in January. Ruiz blends pace (top 25% for sprint speed) and physicality (1.8 aerial duels won per 90), making him a perfect fit for Nuno’s high-pressing, counter-attacking style. His 2024/25 stats—six goals and two assists in 15 starts (1,280 minutes)—highlight his clinical finishing (0.13 xG per shot, 55% conversion rate) and strong link-up play (1.9 key passes per 90), ideal for connecting with Paqueta and Bowen.
Ruiz’s relentless pressing (2.4 pressures per 90) further aligns with West Ham’s tactical demands. However, his limited aerial dominance (40% duel success rate) and occasional erratic decision-making (1.3 turnovers per 90) are drawbacks. Girona’s mid-table status and financial constraints could see Ruiz move for £20-25 million, a price that reflects his high-upside potential. For West Ham, he represents a long-term successor to Michail Antonio, offering immediate contributions and room to grow into a Premier League star.
Sandro Ramirez - Las Palmas
Finally, Las Palmas’ Sandro Ramírez, a 30-year-old Spanish forward, offers consistency and Premier League experience. Having spent the 2017-19 seasons at Everton, Ramírez is familiar with the league’s demands, reducing adaptation risks. His breakout 2024/25 campaign—seven goals and two assists in 16 starts (1,300 minutes)—includes a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Mallorca in October 2025. Quick and agile (top 20% for sprint speed), Ramírez thrives in counter-attacks, and would stretch defenses to create space for Bowen and Paqueta.
His clinical finishing (0.13 xG per shot, 65% conversion rate) and relentless pressing (2.3 pressures per 90) make him a dynamic fit for Nuno’s system, while his versatility allows him to play as a No. 9 or winger. However, his smaller frame (0.8 aerial duels won per 90) limits his set-piece impact, and he can be streaky, with four goalless games earlier this season. With Las Palmas battling relegation, Ramírez could be available for £15-20 million in January 2026, as the club may look to offload higher-priced players. His affordability and form make him an ideal mid-term solution for West Ham’s striker woes.
West Ham’s urgent need for a striker in January positions these three La Liga talents as prime targets. Endrick offers a high-risk, high-reward loan option, bringing brilliance for six months. Abel Ruiz provides a long-term investment with his dynamic skill set and affordable price tag. Sandro Ramírez, with his consistency and Premier League know-how, is a low-risk choice to stabilize the attack. Among them, Ruiz stands out as the best balance of immediate impact and future potential, capable of replacing Antonio while growing alongside West Ham’s attacking core. With Füllkrug’s return uncertain and Dennis as a stopgap, Nuno will likely push for one of these signings to ensure the Hammers avoid relegation.