West Ham Strike Gold with “Unplayable” Star Worth More Than Fullkrug & Summerville Combined – Opinion

West Ham United achieved great success under David Moyes, but now the focus shifts to ensuring Julen Lopetegui’s tenure begins with promise.

This upcoming season will be the first in three years without European competition for West Ham, as they finished ninth in the Premier League last season and exited the Europa League at the quarter-final stage.

However, a fresh start offers great potential, especially with exciting moves in the transfer market. Despite encountering several challenges this summer, Tim Steidten is working tirelessly to shape the squad.

Defensive issues persist even after signing Max Kilman for £40 million, but last season’s frontline problems have been thoroughly addressed.

West Ham’s New-Look Frontline

Addressing the attacking deficiencies was crucial. West Ham’s attack appeared toothless at times last season, despite having quality players.

Lopetegui and his team have taken steps to resolve this by signing talented teenage winger Luis Guilherme for £25.5 million and pursuing more established targets.

In a significant move, West Ham signed 2023/24 Championship Player of the Year Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United for a deal rising to £34 million. Summerville, an electrifying winger, recorded 21 goals and ten assists across all competitions.

While Summerville’s arrival is significant, it doesn’t solve the No. 9 issue. That’s being addressed with the acquisition of Niclas Fullkrug, 31, from Borussia Dortmund. Fullkrug, a traditional centre-forward, has completed his medical ahead of signing his contract. West Ham agreed on a £27 million fee for the Germany international, adding a robust element to Lopetegui’s attack, which now appears formidable.

The attack now features the pace and trickery of Mohammed Kudus, the experienced athleticism of Michail Antonio, and is further bolstered by Summerville and Fullkrug’s diverse skill sets. This is without mentioning the star player: Jarrod Bowen. Bowen is valued significantly higher than his new teammates, serving as the lifeforce at the London Stadium.

Jarrod Bowen’s Market Value in 2024

Bowen has been a standout player. He joined West Ham from Championship side Hull City for around £22 million in January 2020, coinciding with Moyes’ return and subsequent success.

Currently, the 27-year-old has scored 60 goals and provided 39 assists in 202 appearances, including the winning goal in the Conference League final against Fiorentina. Despite West Ham’s overall struggles last year, Bowen was phenomenal, with 20 goals cementing his status as one of the club’s best forwards in recent history.

This summer, Bowen attracted interest from top clubs, particularly Newcastle United. However, despite Eddie Howe’s strong interest, West Ham would only consider offers in the £100 million range.

They view Bowen in the same category as Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal for £105 million last summer, effectively preventing his sale this summer.

West Ham supporters are not complaining. Bowen’s talent has been praised, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank calling him “unplayable” after his hat-trick against the Bees in the Premier League last season.

It’s reasonable for West Ham to demand a high price for Bowen, whose value surpasses his new attacking partners: Summerville and Fullkrug.

Together, Summerville and Fullkrug are valued at about £63 million, meaning that even adding Kilman’s £40 million to the mix, Bowen’s value would only trail by £3 million.

Bowen has made significant strides in his four seasons at West Ham, and despite many changes this summer, one thing is certain: he must remain the talisman of the attack.