According to a recent report by the Daily Mirror, West Ham United are waiting to find out whether Celta de Vigo striker Maxi Gomez will agree to move to the London Stadium this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Uruguay international is waiting to find out if Tottenham Hotspur would orchestrate a move for him and will only join the Hammers if Spurs do not come into the equation.
Gomez’s Impressive Season In The La Liga
The 22-year-old enjoyed a fruitful season for Celta after he put in a string of impressive displays for them in the previous campaign. Gomez registered 13 goals and five assists in 36 appearances for the Spanish outfit last season across all competitions. He formed a productive partnership with his strike partner, Iago Aspas as they both managed to work together and saved Celta from relegation.
The Defensor youth product has also earned 12 international caps for Uruguay and has registered two goals for them thus far. At 22, Gomez is about to embark upon the peak years of his career which the Hammers could look to benefit from over the next few seasons.
However, if Spurs show any interest in recruiting the South American sensation, then it could be curtains for West Ham as they won’t have the lure of UEFA Champions League football to turn the player’s head.
What Will The South American Prospect Bring To The London Stadium?
Gomez is a decent finisher inside the opposition penalty box as he tends to be in the right place at the right time. His knack for finding space in the final third helps him score a lot of goals. The Uruguay international is also dominant in the air which allows him to win a lot of aerial duels. However, except for his goal-threat and physicality, he doesn’t offer much going forward.
What Should Be Pellegrini’s Play Here?
The addition of a striker like Gomez will be a welcome one for the Hammers as they try to challenge for one of the top six spots in the Premier League next season. Manuel Pellegrini needs to lay down the groundwork for a sustained period of success at the East London club so natural goal-scorers like Gomez could help them take their game to the next level.
For now, Pellegrini needs to be patient as there is a chance that Spurs might drop out of the race which would put West Ham in pole position to secure the Uruguayan services in this off-season.
