In a recent print edition, The Daily Mirror (01/11, p61) has mentioned that West Ham United are eyeing a January move for Real Madrid centre-forward Luka Jovic as they intend to sign him on loan with a view of a permanent transfer at the end of this campaign. However, it is understood that the Hammers could face fierce competition from Leicester City in pursuit of the Serbian striker when the transfer window reopens later this winter (via HITC).
Jovic’s Underwhelming Career At The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium So Far
The 22-year-old has endured a nightmare spell at the Spanish capital since his big switch from Eintracht Frankfurt last year. Jovic has participated in four matches for Zinedine Zidane’s side but is still waiting to open his goal-scoring account for this campaign.
The Serbian sensation has struggled to influence the game in the final third as he is currently averaging 1.7 shots, 0.7 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in La Liga this season. At least he has been relatively accurate with his link-up play in and around the opposition penalty box after completing 82.4% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored)
The lack of game time has derailed Jovic’s development recently, which is why he must consider going out on loan in January in search of more playing minutes this season. Maybe he will welcome a move to the Premier League where he might be able to make a fresh start and rediscover his old form from his Bundesliga days.
What Will The Serbian Marksman Bring To The London Stadium?
Jovic is a moderately paced forward who is a composed dribbler with the ball and can get into some dangerous areas in the attacking third. During his time in Germany, he proved that he can be a prolific goal-scorer but has struggled to give a good account of himself under the stewardship of Zidane so far.
The eight-time Serbian international packs a lot of power with his shot attempts and has got the strength to hold the ball up by outmuscling his marker inside the opposition penalty box. However, his recent lack of productivity for Los Blancos will be a significant cause for concern for any of his potential suitors, including the Hammers.
The last thing that David Moyes can afford right now is to sign another underperforming striker after Sebastien Haller failed to set the world alight since joining the London outfit last year. At the same time, Michail Antonio needs more competition and help up top, which is why the Hammers would be wise to bring Jovic to East London this winter. The Serbian goal-getter is more than capable of giving Antonio a run for his money and could potentially strike up a lethal attacking partnership with him at the London Stadium.
