Opinion: Signing £12.5m Attacker Could Instantly Win West Ham Fans Over for Potter

West Ham United may have relied heavily on Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus last season, but with Bowen sidelined due to injury and Kudus struggling to replicate his previous form, the team seems stuck in a rut.

Graham Potter recently stepped in as West Ham’s manager following Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal.

Although his first match in charge—a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa—didn’t go as planned, Potter’s arrival could bring the fresh start the club desperately needs.

However, with Niclas Fullkrug facing yet another injury, the need for a reliable striker has become more urgent than ever.

This urgency likely explains why West Ham has reignited their interest in Nice forward Gaetan Laborde, as reported by Foot Mercato on January 10.

Why could signing Gaetan Laborde help Potter gain the support of West Ham fans?

Despite being 30 years old and not a long-term solution, Laborde’s consistent goal-scoring makes him a valuable short-term addition.

Across 16 appearances this season, he has scored six goals and provided two assists.

Laborde’s transfer to Nice in 2021 cost around £12.5 million, suggesting West Ham might be able to secure his services without breaking the bank (Transfer Feed).

Currently, Danny Ings appears to be the go-to striker, but if Potter wants to win over the fans, bringing in a fresh, capable forward to lead the attack feels necessary.

Signing Laborde would be a significant boost for the Hammers.

His proven ability to find the back of the net could be exactly what Potter’s team needs to revive their campaign and spark a turnaround in fortunes at the London Stadium.