OPINION
For all the solid business they did in the transfer window last summer, West Ham did make a few mistakes over the course of the off-season.
Number one, it would seem, was their failure to bring in Celta Vigo frontman Maxi Gomez, who the Evening Standard reported they had a £27million bid turned down for.
The 6ft 1in powerhouse [Source: Transfermarkt] would have been a pricey addition, £35million to be exact according to the Standard’s report, but there is no doubt about his quality.
The Uruguay international scored 18 goals and claimed five assists in all competitions last season, while he has started this campaign in equally lethal form.
Gomez has four goals and four assists in eight La Liga games, despite his team’s indifferent start this term. He would have been the perfect signing for a Hammers side looking to take that next step towards greatness.
The majority of the team’s goalscoring burden has been shouldered by Marko Arnautovic this season and, while the Austrian is a phenomenal footballer, it’s unfair to ask him to single handedly produce moments of magic on a regular basis.
The former Stoke man is also 29 years of age, and therefore won’t be spearheading the West Ham attack forever. Gomez, on the other hand, is a tender 22 and would be capable of leading the line at the London Stadium for the next decade.
Additionally, Gomez has the burly frame to cope with the physical demands of English football. He is a powerful centre forward who can hold the ball up and bring others into play, as demonstrated by his admirable assist record.
It’s about now that the club should start thinking about renewing their interest in the frontman come January. Again, he would be a costly purchase, but what price can you put on a player who would revolutionise your attack?
The assumption is that the Hammers will be clear of relegation trouble this season, but if there’s any doubt about their Premier League status come winter it’s imperative that they open their chequebook for Gomez.
The club failed to bring him in once, to do so again would be borderline insanity. This is a proven, young and improving frontman who would transform this West Ham team. What’s not to like?
