According to the latest reports from Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, West Ham United have won the race to sign Celta Vigo’s in demand forward Maxi Gomez for a club record fee of £45m. La Liga heavyweights Valencia were also said to be interested in the forward, but they have reportedly dropped out of the race now.
This is being seen as a massive win for the Hammers as Valencia had the lure of Champions League football, but the English side still managed to get the better of them in the transfer market.
Why Pellegrini needs a forward?
The Hammers had already parted ways with Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll. Marko Arnautovic has also left the London based club to move to China. Therefore it was imperative for the manager to bring in a new forward this season. Gomez on the back of a stellar season in the La Liga was one of the most sought after players in the Spanish division and even Barcelona were interested in him at one point.
Is Gomez a good addition?
The 22-year-old managed to score 13 goals and provided five assists in all competitions last season. Gomez is also a regular now in Uruguay’s national team setup, and the striker still has the best years ahead of him. When a club like Barcelona is interested in you, then that in itself is a testament to how impressive the forward has been in his young career so far.
Gomez will be an ideal like for like replacement for someone like Arnautovic as his strength and ability to outmuscle opposition will trouble the defenders in the Premier League. The 22-year-old is known for getting in the right space at the right time in and around the box. His runs and movements are often sharp, and he won’t be an easy player to play against when in form.
With Gomez’s best still to come, the Hammers have definitely managed a massive coup in the transfer market. Without even Europa League, West ham managed to get this deal over the line, and even though £45m might seem like a large sum right now, the forward could easily return it with his performances on the pitch.
Having a manager like Pellegrini was also a massive difference maker in our opinion in getting this deal over the line. This is a statement of intent from the club, and with Gomez up front, West Ham can be a dangerous side if he is provided with goal scoring opportunities.
