Reports are emerging today that West Ham have signed striker Lacina Traore on loan from Monaco subject to a medical. But who is he, and is he a decent signing?
Well first things first. He’s only 23 – that’s about 10 years younger than other players Big Sam normally looks at, which is a massive bonus! And here’s the most exciting thing. He’s 6 foot 8, which is taller than Peter Crouch. I can imagine him being able to hold up a ball pretty well, and he should be a good goal threat from set pieces.
If he does join, it will be without playing a game for parent club Monaco, who signed him earlier this month. In June 2012, Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala had paid a reported 18 million Euros for Traore, and he went on to score 13 goals in 29 appearances for them. He’s also netted in 4 of his last 7 appearances at international level for the Ivory Coast, so looks like a hot prospect.
Big Sam apparently went to the work permit hearing himself to add credibility (ha!) to the deal, and Sky Sports Transfer Centre is reporting that the permit has now been granted.
It’s hard to imagine both Traore and Andy Carroll in the same team as both would essentially play the same role and Sam likes a loan striker, so it’s extremely likely Traore will be gone in the summer. Not only that, but I don’t think we could afford another big money striker.
I do, however, think he will be bloody good cover while Carroll is regaining fitness and if/when he gets injured again. It will also be pretty exciting to see what he can bring to the Premier League. If he’s useless at least his haircuts can provide some competition for Ricardo Vaz Te’s barnet…
I personally think we’ve pulled off a bit of a coup if this comes off. What do you think? Are you excited for Traore on loan or would you prefer a different striker? Let me know by leaving a comment or tweeting me at @alwaysintune.
i think sam has got 2 play a 442 formation
This will be fine unless Pardew or Harry try to hijack the move….as they usually do.
Yes I totally agree with Nigel, Definately play 4-4-2, can you imagine the problems the defence will have with 2 6ft+. Strikers on the field, and what a bonus when we’re defending also
Let’s hope it’s true, and he’s good
Up The Hammers !!!
now that Nolan has shot himself in the foot, there is room for a decent player up front. Good call, Sam.
l suppose with Nolan coming back from his ban, does this mean he will be automatically
selected???
He doesn’t deserve it. We played a hell of a lot better on Saturday without him.
Noble should be made captain, at least he doesn’t get sent off. Anyway Nolan should
be dismissed from the club, wont happen though will it BFS?????
He will be great. Sam has no problem with playing two up top. Carlton Cole can only play with himself – lone striker that is – remember him watching Dean Ashton when they played together? Carlton has been the main reason we have only had one up front before. Andy Carroll and Lacina Traore will be a dynamic duo and with a couple of wingers flying around as well, the West Ham defence will be thinking they are on holiday! At last – something to keep the opposition occupied in their own half.
IF we have managed to sign him – fantastic. Drooling at the prospect already!!
COYI
if this news about SAM has signed him and he is set for a medical is true ,,,, than i’ll always read your news again forever ..if not than never …..
anyway he will be a good signing for us …. COYI !!!
I think we should give Cole a new contract play 4 4 2. Cole and Carroll. Up front good bye Newcastle????????
We should have tried for Guidetti from Man City, who pretty much scored one per game last season. Stoke went unopposed for his signature, while we go back and forth over Lescott, who probably won’t come and that we can’t really afford.
God I hope you are fight! Boy does this lad look good! Pacey and with quick feet! Hope this signals a change in approach to team selection? We need to score goals to stay safe and the lone striker system isn’t producing goals quick enough to kill teams off! With Reid on his way back and lescott on his way by the end of next week! We will be strong enough at the back and therefore be able to concentrate on going forward more! What an attacking combination we would have! Carroll/traore with cole coming off the bench! Should be more than enough to see us through! COYI!
We’ve all seen you can’t have two strikers of simir bud and playing style playing up front together! Come on guys did you not see Carroll and Carlton falling over each other or getting in each other’s way when Sam did opt for 4-4-2?! It wouldn’t work. Big man little man but big Sam won’t have it!
He will be a great asset to big sams squad and a typical player for him. You can’t play them both up top but he will be good as a lone striker when Carroll gets injured again
If it is true it could be a good signing, and they could play a half each and get the most out of each, and give them both playing time.
It’s hard to comment. Know nothing about the guy, but if he’s scored 4 goals in 7 appearances for his country then how can we go wrong? Andy also provides as many assists as what he receives, SO WHY CAN’T BOTH LACINA & ANDY BE IN THE SAME TEAM? Gee, if they did, could you imagine the panic that opposing defenders would be having with trying to keep those 2 out. If we get him, then play them together & let those goals flow West Ham. If there’s one thing West Ham fans love, it’s watching big strikers ripp through opposing defenses. Yeah!