OPINION
As Premier League rivals reportedly circle, West Ham United must beat them to the signing of Ollie Watkins as the attacker is perfect for the Hammers.
According to the Evening Standard, Brentford attacker Watkins is a target for Crystal Palace and Bournemouth this summer. The report also reveals that the Championship outfit value the 22-year-old at £15million, despite signing from Exeter City for just £1.8million last summer.
Regardless of the interest from their Premier League rivals, West Ham must act quickly to secure the Englishman’s signing as he’s a huge talent.
The former Exeter City forward is a great young forward, who’s successfully made the transition to a higher level almost year on year and now he’s ready for the Premier League. He’s can play as a central striker or on either wing, such is his versatility. He’s got tons of pace, can beat defenders with ease and is a great finisher.
In 2015, Watkins was playing in the Southern Premier League on-loan at Weston-super-Mare. Since then, he played regular football for Exeter in League Two, before making the switch to The Bees in 2017.
Last season, he made a massive jump to the second-tier of English football, but he still scored 11 goals and provided five assists, proving that he can cut it at any level. This kid is reminiscent of Dele Alli, who was playing regularly for MK Dons but was then given a chance to play Premier League football with Spurs and look at him now.
Considering the money that Manuel Pellegrini’s side have spent this season, £15million is a cheap fee for an English forward with massive potential. He will get better with more football and would relish playing at the highest level in England.
If The Hammers dwindle and they lose out on this signing to one of their league rivals, they will massively regret passing on the opportunity in years to come, it could come back to haunt them.
Ollie Watkins is destined for the top one way or another. West Ham need to take a gamble and trust in his potential because if they don’t, someone else will.
