West Ham United are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Serie A forward Carlos Bacca when the transfer window reopens this summer as the Hammers’ manager, Slaven Bilic’s desperate search for a quality striker continues. The Colombian forward has been on the West Ham’s target list for quite some time and the London club would hope to finalise the deal this time.
West Ham United would avoid following the mindless path they had embarked on last transfer window when their overwhelming league finish had led them to chase all the top targets across Europe, and finally ending up with nothing. Bilic had brought in Simone Zaza, Manuel Lanzini and Sofiane Feghouli up front and at the end had to resort to full-back Michail Antonio to score goals.
The Hammers had a terrible campaign last year, where they could score only 47 goals throughout the season. Though favourable results from sides around them in the league table helped them finish 11th, it was not encouraging by any means. Juventus loanee, Zaza, was a huge failure and so was the Algerian international, Feghouli.
The Croat manager would expect to have a better shopping this time and Bacca could be a brilliant signing for them. They had approached the player last summer, but the South-American player decided to stay with Milan. But now, with a squad overhaul being planned at San Siro, who would mostly focus on young legs, the 30-year-old forward could be a goner.
A number of European clubs are vying for him, which include the likes of North London side Arsenal and Ligue 1 side Marseille. And with them in the race, the Hammers have little chance to win. A centre-forward by nature, Bacca is the stereotypical striker who possesses strength and finishing up front. He has scored 14 goals and five assists in all competitions for Milan last season topping the scoring list.
Although age hasn’t been on his side really with the player already 30, he seems to be a late bloomer and could be at his peak for the next four years. His work rate and tenacity could make him a hit in the Premier League as we have seen with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Roberto Firmino.
The youth product of Colombian side Junior FC, he has progressed mainly through loan stints away to sides like CF Barranquilla before Belgian side Club Brugge realised his potential in 2012. After two good seasons, Milan came calling.
He would definitely be a season-defining signing for any side and West Ham United would try their best to land him this time. His inconsistency has caused a fury among Milan fans, which could lead to his prime suitors leaving out of the race.
