Since David Sullivan hinted that the Hammers were set to move for a striker from a ‘strange’ league, a lot of attention was diverted towards Demba Ba and Andre Pierre Gignac. However, UAE club Al-Ain have recently cancelled the loan (parent club Fenerbahce) of Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike and he is understood to be closing in on a loan move to West Ham.
So who is Emmanuel Emenike?
Well, let’s start with the bad news first. Fans of Al-Ain have not been particularly impressed with his performances this season and he has been a forced substitute on occasions due to the disgruntled fans voicing their concerns.
It remains to be seen whether the loan termination is a reason behind his performances. A goal tally of seven league goals in 11 appearances this season isn’t a particularly bad return, however.
Even from a young age, Emenike has been no stranger to trouble. As a teenager, he was arrested for kicking a ball at a policeman and he has faced allegations of match fixing in his career. He is also no stranger to a red card, having been sent off for imitating heroin use after scoring for Spartak Moscow in 2012.
Despite the potential baggage, there is no doubting the ability of West Ham’s latest transfer target. Still only 28-years-old, the Nigerian attacker is blessed with electric pace, strength and athleticism, making him a real handful for defenders.
Emenike featured for Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup
He can also play out wide due to his pace and the fact that he likes to dribble with the ball. He has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs in the past but his reputation is probably the major stumbling block for any potential move to one of the ‘big leagues’ so far.
If the Hammers can get the best out of the Nigerian then he would certainly add an extra bit of quality in the final third as West Ham have struggled in the absence of Diafra Sakho this season.
Whether he is worth the risk or not remains to be seen but there is no doubting the talent is certainly there.
The video just showing him get fould over and over? …needs. To stay on his feet if hes going to suceed in the pl ! ….
Bloody hell i really need to check my spelling before i post
While Emenike look quite impressive, I’m not sure he is in the same class as Mario Balotelli.
Balotelli certainly has his own set of unique personal issues, and needs a place where he feels that he belongs. He is 3 years younger than Emenike, strikes the ball with amazing power, and is very fast; in addition, he is physically very strong, and hard to shake off the ball; when he is happy with life, he is almost unstoppable as a striker. Could be a risky proposition, but if we look after him, he could do amazing things for our team
COYI