There could be two major departures in West Ham’s front line this summer, with both Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia expected to seek moves elsewhere after having limited game time under Slaven Bilic last season.
Sky Sources believe that Sakho has told Bilic he wants to leave, and £12 million could be enough to see the striker link up with Sam Allardyce at Sunderland. Sakho’s reported transfer request is no surprise, after a few off the field issues over the past few months and a lack of playing time combined with injuries ensuring that he didn’t have a successful final season at The Boleyn Ground.
News of West Ham’s striker search won’t have helped either, as Sakho is already behind Andy Carroll in the pecking order. Any potential strikers arrival would firmly put Sakho into a difficult position, and a move elsewhere is understandable.
Enner Valencia is also expected to want away from the club. Valencia had a frustrating second half of the season, even becoming a scapegoat for fans towards the end of our campaign. With Sofiane Feghouli looked increasingly likely to sign for the club in the coming days, combined with Michail Antonio’s form and the potential arrival of Gokhan Tore or another wide player, Valencia’s first team chances look numbered.
The Ecuadorian has been linked with West Brom and is sure to attract some interest from bigger clubs as well. A bid of around £10-12 million could be enough for him to part ways with the club.
Sakho and Valencia have both had great spells at the club in their first season when they played in a whirlwind strike partnership. It will be a shame if the two of them do leave the club, but looking at our potential transfer targets we could be looking at a far more dangerous attacking line up.
£20-25 million for the two of them would represent great business by the club and could be used to further enhance our squad for next season.
