In a recent report, L’Equipe has claimed that West Ham United are the joint frontrunners along with Zenith Saint Petersburg to land Montpellier forward Gaetan Laborde this summer. It is believed that the French striker wants to play in European competitions which could open the door for the Hammers to recruit him during this summer transfer window as they have managed to book a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League (via L’Equipe).
Laborde’s Impressive Form In French Football This Season
Laborde has enjoyed a productive season with the French outfit after scoring some important goals as the focal point of their attack. The 27-year-old has been involved in 43 matches for Montpellier this term, finding the back of the net on 18 occasions and earning nine assists in various competitions.
The French sensation has given a good account of himself by averaging 2.6 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the recently concluded Ligue 1 campaign. However, he needs to work on improving his link-up play in the final third as he has only made 67% of his attempted passes in the French first division (stats via whoscored).
Laborde has already established himself as a good striker in French football, so he might fancy switching clubs this summer in the hopes of some success in terms of silverware in the coming seasons. West Ham head coach David Moyes has enough experience to get the best out of the French frontman if he can win the race for his services in this off-season.
Should The Hammers Snap Laborde Up?
Laborde boasts incredible strength that allows him to hold the ball up for others around him and can win his fair share of headers inside the opponent’s penalty area. He can work his socks off when running the channels in the opposition half and is a decent finisher up top.
The Frenchman has been involved in 27 goals in 43 matches for Montpellier this season which goes to show just how well he has performed this season. Hence, West Ham should think about orchestrating a sizable offer to secure Laborde’s signature this summer.
At 27, the Ligue 1 star is currently playing at his peak and has what it takes to compete with Michail Antonio for a regular place in Moyes’ first XI in the coming seasons. Laborde has got a great leap in him which would make him a real threat from offensive set-pieces.
With all things considered, the East London outfit should consider snapping the Montpellier marksman up during this summer transfer window as he would serve as an ideal cover for Antonio and could even offer Moyes the freedom to play with two strikers up top if needed.
