OPINION: West Ham Pursuing £25m Upgrade for Antonio with “One of the Best Strikers in the World”

West Ham United have a primary objective for Julen Lopetegui’s first season at the helm: to reclaim their place in European competition and push for a domestic trophy. The club, having tasted success by winning the Europa Conference League under David Moyes in the 2022/23 season, aims to build on that momentum despite a checkered form last season and Moyes’ perceived pragmatic style of play.

One significant challenge lies in the transfer market, particularly with a rumored lack of funds at the London Stadium. However, the sale of Mohammed Kudus, who has an £85m release clause in his contract and reportedly wants to leave this summer, could alleviate some financial constraints.

West Ham urgently need to sign a striker this summer. Michail Antonio is aging and started only 21 Premier League games last season, while Jarrod Bowen cannot be expected to continue filling in as a makeshift striker from the right wing, despite doing so convincingly.

According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are among several Premier League teams interested in Jonathan David from LOSC Lille. The Canadian center-forward, who has one year left on his contract and is transfer-listed for £25m, has enjoyed several successful years in Ligue 1. While Chelsea are currently the frontrunners, their abundance of options might allow West Ham to entice David with a more prominent role in East London.

Jonathan David has been prolific for Lille, scoring 84 goals and providing 18 assists in 183 appearances, averaging 0.56 goal contributions per game since joining from Belgian side Gent for €30m (£25m) in 2020. Last season, the 5 foot 11 striker scored 26 goals and supplied nine assists in 47 outings, hitting his stride in November after a slow start.

David’s performance metrics over the past two seasons rank him among the top 12% of Ligue 1 center-forwards for goals scored per 90 minutes and the top 6% for pass completion, according to FBref. Additionally, his 0.9 key passes per game and nine big chances created (Sofascore) highlight his dynamic skill set and crisp passing ability.

Described by media personality Tony Marinaro as “one of the best strikers in the world,” David has honed his craft in France and now possesses the striking quality and technical acumen to make a significant impact in the Premier League. West Ham would greatly benefit from his addition to their squad.

The rationale for signing Jonathan David is straightforward. West Ham need a top-class goalscorer to ensure a smooth transition under Lopetegui. David’s consistent performance would provide the Hammers with a reliable talisman, crucial for competing in European competitions and progressing in domestic cups like the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

David would undoubtedly replace Antonio as West Ham’s primary striker. The 34-year-old Jamaica international, while ranking among the top 17% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, falls in the bottom 40% for goals scored per 90. Antonio, West Ham’s record Premier League scorer with 67 goals, is in the final year of his contract and will still play a role under Lopetegui but cannot be relied upon as the leading striker.

David’s robust and athletic skill set, particularly his superior link-up play, surpasses Antonio’s ball-playing ability. While Antonio can be highly effective with his physicality, he is limited in contributing to advancing play. Last season, Antonio completed only 65% of his passes in the Premier League, creating just 0.3 key passes per game. In contrast, David is making three times the creative passes in Ligue 1 and is one of Europe’s most precise distributors.

At just 24 years old, David is still years away from his prime but is already proving to be a lethal goalscorer with an expansive style of play. He could make a significant impact on West Ham’s team and might be the perfect successor to Antonio.