West Ham United have made contact with Ajax in regard to 22-year-old striker Brian Brobbey.
Following a rather chaotic few weeks in the transfer market for the Hammers, Dutch striker Brian Brobbey has become of key interest to both David Sullivan and West Ham United.
In a tweet put out earlier this morning from the reliable source that is Fabrizio Romano, the Italian journalist stated:
“West Ham have made contact for Brian Brobbey with Ajax, but no chance for a straight loan move.
Obligation to buy or permanent transfer needed to advance in negotiations, as Ajax have no plans to accept a loan move.”
Failing to convince Aston Villa to let go of young forward Jhon Duran for a fee of £57 million + add ons earlier this week, the Irons opted for other options across Europe to hopefully find a solution to their unfortunate ‘striker curse’, which has haunted them for many years.
Also being heavily linked to Brighton and Hove Albion’s striker Evan Ferguson throughout the January transfer window, it is now looking more and more likely not to happen, with the Ireland international being regarded as a key player for Fabian Hurzeler and his side.
Another alternative option who caught the interest of David Sullivan was RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva, of whom the Hammers reportedly held talks with in regard to a loan move with an option to buy.
Only scoring 1 goal this season for the German side, the Portuguese forward has also had a record of being plagued with injuries throughout his career.
Even now, at this period of time, the striker is recovering from a calf injury, with his expected return being early February.
Due to this, according to reliable source ExWHUEmployee on X - formally known as Twitter - despite progress being made with the 29-year-old and his representatives, the club have decided to still continue talks with other options.
With a loan deal being completely off the table for the Hammers in relation to Brobbey, Ajax’s demand of 30 million may have to be met with caution, due to FFP after a heavily spent Summer transfer window.
What to expect from Brobbey
A slow start to the 24/25 season has seen the Dutch striker either secluded to the bench at times or unable to complete a full 90 minutes on the pitch before being substituted.
With only 3 goals and 5 assists to his name this season, many Hammers fans have questioned Sullivan’s business and debated whether or not Brobbey is the correct fit for the Irons.
However, do not let this fool you, as the 22-year-old has certainly proven that he can both score and create chances, netting 22 goals and grabbing 12 assists across all competitions in the 23/24 season for the Dutch giants - even wining the Eredivise player of the month in December 2023.
Additionally, after a successful start to the 23/34 campaign, Brobbey deservedly received his first international call up in October 2023, facing both France and Greece for a spot in Euro 2024.
His first goal for the Dutch national team came in 2024, however, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 1-1 draw.
With some Hammers being rather critical towards the possible signing of Brian Brobbey, it is no lie that the Dutchman can score goals and finish off chances in the box - something the boys in claret and blue have struggled with this season.
The introduction of Dutchman may also become beneficial to talented winger Mohammed Kudus, whom as of late has struggled to regain that fine form that he cruised upon last season - Only scoring 3 goals with 2 assists compared to his 14 goals and 6 assists last season.
The pair have also had experience playing alongside each other for Ajax before Kudus’ departure to East London, whilst Brobbey also has had the pleasure of playing with Mexican midfield Edson Alvarez.
With the ability to outmuscle defenders and finish off chances in the box nicely, the Dutchman would definitely be a key asset to West Ham and Graham Potter.
Failing to find the perfect striker as of late, with the latest being the injury prone Niclas Fullkrug, Brobbey could finally be the man that the Hammers have been looking for - even sharing similar traits to the Irons no.9 and top goal scorer in the Premier League Michail Antonio.
