West Ham’s search for a striker went deep into the Far East, as Sam Allardyce search for a striker intensified following the decision now to offer a contract to Zulte Waregem striker Habib Habibou despite an impressive trial period at the club.
It is obvious for all to see that the Hammers need more options upfront as the front line is far too one dimensional. J league striker Ryoichi Maeda is entering his final months of his contract at his club Jubilo Iwata, and it is said that the Irons have offered him a deal to take him to England, a move the Japanese striker would be very in favour of.
The 30-year old Japanese international has received many offers from other J league clubs, but the striker favours a move to Europe, forcing West Ham to the front of the queue for his signature. However one stumbling block is the lack of international fixtures that Maeda has played in the last two years, meaning his could struggle to get a work permit.
Maeda has an impressive goal scoring record in the Japanese league, having secured the golden boot in two of his three seasons at the club. Whether that form could be replicated in the much more competitive league in England remains to be seen.
Allardyce is in a deep search for a striker as his teams continues to struggle in front of goal; this latest move comes after a setback in the hunt for Nicolas Anelka who has signed for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua.
Habib Habidou has left the club following his trail period where he netted two goals as a trialist in the development squad’s game against Brentford. However Allardyce is said to have decided not to offer the 24 year old Central African striker a deal.
Ryo Maeda fact file
Born: Kobe, Japan – 9th October 1981
National team debut: 2007 (aged 26)
National team appearances: 14 (5 goals) – 8 (4) in 2011
Club appearances: 2000-2011 Jubilo Iwata – 340 (143 goals)
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