According to a recent report by the Evening Standard, West Ham United have begun discussions with FC Basel over an £8m move for their Swiss centre-forward Albian Ajeti during this summer transfer period. The same source has mentioned that the Hammers are looking to add another striker to their squad but have to stay within the restrictions of their remaining budget. Hence, they have decided to orchestrate a move to bring Ajeti to the London Stadium before the English transfer deadline on Thursday.
The Incredible Rise Of Albian Ajeti In Swiss Football
The Basel-born striker came through the youth ranks of his boyhood club, FC Basel before graduating from their academy. Ajeti managed to break out as a first-team starter at St. Jakob-Park but was not able to prove his worth at the senior level. He had to join FC Augsburg in search of greener pastures back in 2016.
The Swiss prospect also had a loan spell with FC St. Gallen 1879 before FC Basel decided to bring him back in the fall of 2017. Since his return to play for Marcel Koller’s side, Ajeti enjoyed a prolific 2018-19 campaign back in his homeland. He finished with a tally of 21 goals and 11 assists in 43 matches for the Swiss giants last season.
The 22-year-old has also made a great start to this campaign after registering two goals and creating two assists in three matches for Basel thus far. Ajeti has represented Switzerland at various youth levels and is currently an integral member of his country’s senior side. He has managed to secure seven international caps for the European nation and has scored one goal in the process.
What Will The Swiss Sensation Add To Pellegrini’s Team?
Ajeti has decent pace in his locker and can dribble with the ball using his speed and power in the opposition half. He has also transformed himself into a prolific goal-scorer. However, one can argue whether he has what it takes to continue his excellent goal-scoring record in the Premier League.
The Swiss frontman scores a lot of goals with his head as he can leap over the opposition defenders using his strength and determination. He will be an excellent asset for Manuel Pellegrini if he can find a way to lure him to the London Stadium before the start of the new campaign.
Is Ajeti A Good Fit For The East London Club?
The Hammers need to score more goals in the upcoming season if they are to challenge for a European place. Therefore, Ajeti can be the man to fill that void as evidenced by his record from last season, which makes him a great fit at the East London club. The prospect of Ajeti linking up with Sebastian Haller at West Ham will strike fear at the heart of any defence that the Premier League has to offer.
