West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has set his sights on a new striker target this summer, presenting a potential bargain opportunity for the club.
Lopetegui is urgently seeking to enhance West Ham’s striker options during the summer transfer window, making it a top priority. The Spaniard has already made an impressive start to his tenure with the signing of Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme.
Additionally, Wes Foderingham is on the verge of moving to the London Stadium. Once this deal is finalized, Lopetegui will focus on securing a proven striker and a top-class centre-back.
In my opinion, acquiring a new striker should be the primary goal for the 57-year-old manager. He has been heavily linked with players such as Youssef En-Nesyri and Simon Banza this summer. Other notable strikers like Tammy Abraham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been mentioned.
However, there is a new name drawing attention from the Hammers’ manager. As previously stated, securing a top-class forward is crucial for Lopetegui this summer, and a fresh transfer target has seemingly emerged.
According to the Mirror (print edition June 23rd, page 76), West Ham is closely monitoring Adam Hlozek this summer. Bayer Leverkusen might be willing to sell the Czech Republic international for a bargain fee of £12 million. Acquiring the 21-year-old at that price appears to be a no-brainer.
West Ham was strongly linked with Hlozek in the summer of 2022, but Bayer Leverkusen ultimately secured his signature, paying Sparta Prague around £11 million for him. Now, the Hammers have another chance to sign him, a move that should be actively pursued.
The 21-year-old has been described as a world-class talent by Goal, and on his best days, he poses a significant challenge for opposing defenders. Hlozek boasts exceptional technique, impressive pace, solid finishing skills, and the potential to become an elite striker. His versatility to play anywhere along the front line would be a significant asset for West Ham.
Julen Lopetegui appears to have a new striker target in Adam Hlozek. If West Ham manages to secure the Czech star for just £12 million, it could prove to be one of the standout signings of the summer.
