Report: West Ham intensify efforts to sign 27-year-old attacker with 52 career goals for £50m

Julen Lopetegui is under significant pressure and risks losing his position as West Ham head coach if results do not improve soon.

The Hammers have been dreadful this season, delivering poor performances that have left fans disappointed.

Lopetegui’s tenure at the London Stadium has fallen short of expectations.

One major misstep was failing to sign a fast-paced attacker during the summer transfer window—a decision he and Tim Steidten should have prioritized.

Now, the Hammers are reportedly targeting attacking reinforcements in January, but their latest prospect is far from convincing.

Reports from CaughtOffside claim that West Ham has been scouting Brais Mendez, who has featured in Real Sociedad’s last three matches.

The 27-year-old midfielder carries a hefty £50 million release clause in his La Liga contract.

Is he worth such a significant fee? Mendez has managed just three goals and three assists in 22 appearances for Sociedad this season.

Over his career, his numbers are equally underwhelming for a forward, with 52 goals and 38 assists in 341 games (via Transfermarkt).

Mendez, a four-time Spain international, primarily plays as a number 10 but can also operate as a right winger.

While he is a decent player with good pace and dribbling ability, his stats do not justify a £50 million price tag.

Spending such a sum on a 27-year-old with modest career numbers would be unwise for West Ham.

Instead, the club should focus on more cost-effective options to address their attacking issues.

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In my opinion, pursuing Mendez in the January transfer window is not the right move.

There are likely better value alternatives available in the market.