West Ham pursue player once praised as ‘Phenomenal’ by Ronaldo – report

On Tuesday (14 January), it was reported that Portuguese international André Silva is West Ham United’s latest transfer target after their unsuccessful bid for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran [Claret & Hugh].

Silva has been on the radar in East London since 2021, during David Moyes’ tenure. Currently on the fringes at RB Leipzig, he could be available for a January transfer.

West Ham manager Graham Potter is urgently searching for striking options, as injuries have ravaged the squad.

Niclas Füllkrug joined Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-1 FA Cup loss to Aston Villa (10 January), ruling him out for three months [Jack Rosser].

The January transfer window provides a chance to address this crisis, but attracting players to East London remains a challenge.

Following Aston Villa’s rejection of their offer for Duran, a slew of potential targets has been linked to the Hammers.

Names like Emmanuel Latte-Lath, Igor Jesus, Yuri Alberto, Taiwo Awoniyi, Hwang Hee-chan, Stefanos Tzimas, Evan Ferguson, and even Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford have surfaced [The Telegraph].

However, Potter must be pragmatic. While Silva has scored just once in eight Bundesliga appearances this season, he remains a player of pedigree.

Cristiano Ronaldo once described the 29-year-old as “phenomenal” (Bundesliga, 31 May 2023).

Given the circumstances and the scarcity of quality options in the January market, reigniting a move for the former Eintracht Frankfurt forward may be Potter’s best choice.

Silva’s experience and ability could provide a much-needed boost to West Ham’s depleted attack.