In a recent print edition, O Jogo (May 8th, Page 13) mentioned that West Ham United are locked in a three-way battle for Vitoria Guimaraes winger Jota Silva. It has been stated that the Hammers are looking to beat Brentford and Benfica in the race to land the Portuguese wide player this summer.
Silva’s Impressive Numbers In Portuguese Football
Silva has caught the eye with his performances on the left side of Vitoria Guimaraes’ attack during this campaign. The 24-year-old has found the back of the net 15 times and secured seven assists in 40 matches for the Portuguese outfit this season across all competitions.
The Portuguese talent has given a good account of himself in the final third as he is averaging 3.0 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game in Liga Portugal. However, he has lacked quality when distributing the ball in the opposition half based on his pass completion rate of 67.7% in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored).
Silva’s current contract at the Portuguese club will expire at the end of next season which could open the door for the Hammers to sign him on the cheap later this summer.
Should West Ham United Move In For Silva?
Silva can engineer some space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal and is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet. He has also the vision to create some meaningful openings for his teammates from the wide areas.
The Portuguese sensation has done well to add a lot of goals to his game this season. However, there are some question marks over whether he is good enough to adapt to the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football if West Ham manage to win the race for his services later this year.
Silva would add more firepower to the East London club‘s frontline. He will also help the Hammers compete for European football once again next season. Therefore, West Ham should focus on moving in for Silva when the transfer window reopens this summer. At 24, he has his best years ahead of him and could prove to be a success story at the London Stadium in the long run.
