Opinion: West Ham Monitor Rejected Striker’s Move as Pressure Mounts on Steidten
Tim Steidten Faces Increased Pressure to Secure a Striker for Graham Potter at West Ham United
West Ham’s search for a forward has intensified following reports that Mergim Berisha, a striker previously linked with the club, is now being pursued by Bundesliga side Augsburg from Hoffenheim (Florian Plettenberg, 17 January).
Danny Ings remains the only natural striker available to Graham Potter.
While players like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá have been deployed in advanced roles, West Ham clearly need a dedicated number nine to bolster their attack.
The Hammers are reportedly in contention for several forwards, including André Silva, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Rodrigo Muniz, who have all been linked recently.
Steidten Under Pressure to Deliver
Tim Steidten, who led the club’s high-profile transfer campaign last summer, is facing mounting pressure to deliver.
His recruitment drive, which cost over £100 million, initially excited fans but has since drawn criticism due to the team’s struggles under his chosen head coach, Julen Lopetegui.
A combination of questionable tactics, poor defending, and a lack of a clear playing style left the Hammers floundering.
Now, the hope is that Graham Potter can rebuild the team and guide them back into the Premier League’s top half by unlocking the potential of the summer signings.
However, injuries have further complicated matters at the London Stadium.
Michail Antonio is ruled out for the season and may never play competitively for the club again.
Niclas Füllkrug, another key player, is sidelined for months due to persistent fitness issues. Securing at least one, if not two, strikers is a top priority this month.
Navigating a Difficult Market
Steidten is acutely aware of the challenges posed by the winter transfer window and the need for caution given the club’s significant summer spending and PSR constraints.
While passing on Mergim Berisha—a two-cap German international with a modest scoring record—seems a sensible decision, it increases the pressure to land at least one superior target.
West Ham must approach this window with a smart, pragmatic strategy.
While it may lack glamour, success in the transfer market could be crucial to salvaging their season and addressing their glaring need for firepower upfront.
