Carlos Bacca has been persistently linked with a switch to West Ham during the course of the summer transfer window and it’s looking incredibly likely that West Ham will be able to finally pull it off as ESPN are claiming that the Hammers have agreed a fee with AC Milan for the Colombian international. It’s a well-known fact that West Ham are looking for a consistent goal threat up front next season which they were lacking this term and Bacca is certainly a prolific goalscorer.
Bacca has managed to make a name for himself among the best strikers in Europe thanks to his brilliant spells with Club Brugge, Sevilla and Milan. The late-blooming forward reached the 20-goal-mark in his first season in Italy and that too at a club like Milan where each and every individual was underperforming around him.
Even though the Colombian is a prolific striker, Bacca is not exactly the striker West Ham are looking for. Here are three reasons why West Ham should not move for the Colombian.
Not a long-term prospect
West Ham are looking to enter a new golden era but they want to sign a striker who is getting on in years, it doesn’t seem to make sense. The Hammers would have been wise if they moved in for some of the brightest young talents in the game but it appears they’re going to fork out for a player who doesn’t have long at the top left. The Colombian will turn 30 this coming September and won’t be able to offer more than 2 years of his peak to the East London club.
Lack of Premier League experience
Bacca is yet to taste a sip of the Premier League. Yes, he is a proven goal-getter in both La Liga and Serie A but the Premier League is different and 29 is not the best age to adapt to the fast and physical game of the Premier League. In the Premier League, Bacca will face tough games every single week, something he never had to face in Spain or Italy. The big question remains- Can Bacca adapt quick enough? West Ham are in no position to take a chance in the centre-forward position.
Bacca does not really suit West Ham’ game
West Ham play on the counter and for that, they need to have a striker who can pass well enough to initiate quick forward movements. Bacca does not fit the bill. The Colombian rarely uses the ball well unless he’s attempting a strike at goal. His passing accuracy of 73% is dismal and he clearly does not suit Slaven Bilic’s plans.