West Ham United are reportedly considering releasing striker Danny Ings to create space for a new forward signing, as reported by journalist Graeme Bailey.
Ings found himself on the fringes of David Moyes’ squad last season, starting only three Premier League matches and scoring just once.
The arrival of Niclas Füllkrug from Borussia Dortmund has pushed Ings further down the pecking order, with new West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui reportedly seeing him as surplus to requirements at the London Stadium.
In July, Southampton appeared close to securing a deal for Ings, but the club ultimately walked away and signed Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal instead.
Wolves were also rumored to have an interest in Ings, but no progress was made on that front.
Now, West Ham is considering parting ways with the 32-year-old striker to reinvest in another attacker.
Danny Ings, who began his career in Bournemouth’s academy, made a name for himself at Burnley, where he led the Clarets to promotion in the 2013/14 season by scoring 26 goals.
His time at Liverpool was marred by injuries, but he enjoyed a successful stint at Southampton, scoring 25 goals in one season.
After an 18-month period at Aston Villa, Ings joined West Ham in January 2023 in a £15 million deal.
Since then, the England international has struggled to secure a regular spot in the team, often being picked behind players like Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen.
Over one and a half seasons at the club, Ings has started just ten league games.
With the acquisition of Füllkrug, Ings’ opportunities for playing time are expected to diminish further.
Lopetegui is reportedly eager to add a forward he rates more highly before the transfer window closes.
This could mean West Ham will consider paying off Ings, who is currently earning a reported £125,000 per week, to facilitate his departure.
According to Bailey, releasing Ings could cost West Ham around £6.5 million, given his contract runs until June 2025.
The lack of interest in covering Ings’ full salary and paying a transfer fee might compel West Ham to make this move.
Lopetegui may view terminating Ings’ contract as worthwhile if it enables the club to strengthen their attacking options.
With Füllkrug and Antonio already in the squad and Bowen capable of playing centrally, Lopetegui might look to bring in a winger before the transfer window closes.
One potential target could be Raheem Sterling, who is reportedly available after being sidelined from Chelsea’s first team.
Although Arsenal has been offered the chance to sign Sterling, West Ham has also been mentioned as a possible destination for the former Manchester City forward.
Last season, Sterling scored eight goals and provided four assists in 31 Premier League appearances.
He could see West Ham as a suitable club where he can continue to make a significant impact.
