Whenever a Premier League club gets a cash injection, whether by new owners or investors or by the sale of one of its prized assets, the media circus descends with all sorts of ludicrous suggestions as to who the club might buy. Invariably that ends up with virtually an entire team being looked at, with the increased speculation the price goes up most of the time.
The transfer window opens in just FIVE weeks time, normally there are few, if any bargains to be had, but this window is different! Clubs across Europe are still desperately trying to balance the books as the full financial effect of the Covid Pandemic on football finances become more and more apparent.
Instead of ramping prices up, clubs are trying to do their own 'black January deals by slashing prices to get their hands on the comparatively little funds available across the European Leagues. Very few are exempt, PSG, Real Madrid, Man City, Chelsea and possibly Man Utd are the only clubs flush with cash, all the rest are 'down to the bare bones' financially.
We'll cover the list of Hammers 'runners and riders' that include strikers from across Europe in the next article, we will also outline which clubs are totally brassic and have a need for 'speed sales'. There are now a raft of forwards apparently linked with the club, talk about Groundhog Day!
The reality is that 19-year-old Czech Republic International Adam Hlozek is essentially nailed on to join the club in January, his £15 Million price tag is academic in a way as his club Sparta Prague is owned by new Hammers board member Daniel Kretinsky. so 'inverting' the player's ownership should be pretty straight forward.
Although NOT a prolific goal scorer, Hlozek is only young and an ideal candidate for a bit of Moyes' magic. The youngster HAS scored four goals and provided seven assists during the fourteen games he has already played in the Czech Republic, and while the quality might not be up to Premier League standards, there are still plenty of defenders who love nothing more than 'educating' young aspiring forwards!
Hlozek would be West Ham's 50th striker signed during the Gold & Sullivan era, most of which have been utter pants. It's about time a good one arrived who isn't either crocked or saddled with an outrageously negative aura. - LN
Comments
I think it's sound business.
I think it's sound business. I've been keeping an eye on this kid, a no brainer for the price and his potential...