One of the latest strikers that is reportedly on West Ham’s radar is AC Milan forward M’Baye Niang. A controversial striker that has been likened to Mario Balotelli, but with undeniable potential, would he be worth the risk for West Ham?
The 21 year old has been linked with the club over the last few days, amid speculation that AC Milan are fed up with his antics and have decided to cut their ties with the forward. The French striker could be available for around £11 million according to The Sun.
So what makes Niang such a controversial figure?
Niang reportedly got stopped for driving without a license a couple of years ago. He then decided to tell the police that he was actually team mate Bakaye Traore, which he for some reason thought he would get away with.
A year later he was given a suspended 18 month jail sentence for an alleged hit and run accident, injuring 11 people.
Niang also received a national team ban for breaking a curfew.
Add this to a questionable attitude at times and Niang looks like he could be more trouble than he’s worth.
Would he be worth the risk for West Ham?
Niang has been in the limelight for a long time at such a young age. He was thrown into the spotlight for Milan when he was only 17 and has had such expectations on his shoulders since then. He is now 21, and may finally be learning his lesson and maturing.
His footballing ability and potential are undeniable. With Slaven Bilic in charge, we have a manager who could work wonders on a young player like Niang and could bring out the best in him.
Niang is 6″1 and possesses genuine pace and trickery. He has all the attributes to be a success in the Premier League, and could handle himself well in a more physical league.
This is a similar situation to Ravel Morrison, except Morrison was known for being far more trouble than Niang has been. Morrison had probably the best spell of his career at West Ham until the same old problems starting creeping up. Niang hasn’t had too many problems on the field, he seems to cause more problems for himself off of it, which is far easier to resolve.
At £11 million, he would be a replacement for Enner Valencia that would cost similar money. Niang is 21, with bundles of potential who can play as a central striker and can also play out wide. Valencia’s West Ham career looks to be over, as fans have had enough of his average performances towards the end of last season. Niang would be a young hungry addition who would provide strength in depth, while also having the versatility that we need in our front line to replace the Ecuadorian.
If Niang did replace Valencia, it would surely be a risk worth taking. We could still see another big name striker come in, but signing Niang would be another message to our rivals that we are have to be taken seriously next season.
Loan spells at Genoa and Montpellier have been fruitful for Niang, scoring goals at both clubs. If Milan are tired of his off the field antics, then a move to West Ham could work out for both parties.
There is no definite interest just yet, with it just being transfer gossip so far, but Milan are reportedly ready to cash in on the forward. If this is true, then it would be no surprise to see him come to West Ham.
A risky deal, but one that would bring lots more excitement to The Olympic Stadium next season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MNT-2tCgDo
