In a recent report, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that West Ham United were monitoring Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis. It has been mentioned that the Hammers would face competition in the form of Ipswich Town, Brentford and Leicester City in the race to sign the Greek centre-forward this summer.
Ioannidis’ Impressive Form At Panathinaikos Last Season
Ioannidis had a productive campaign at the Greek club recently as he put in a lot of impressive performances for them in the final third. The Greece international found the back of the net 23 times and earned nine assists in 44 matches for Panathinaikos last season across various competitions.
The 24-year-old proved his worth in Europe by averaging 3.5 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game in the UEFA Europa League. He even distributed the ball relatively well based on his pass success rate of 74.7% in European football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Greek club will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, West Ham would have to make a big offer if they decide to return for him this month.
Should West Ham United Boss Julen Lopetegui Go Back For Ioannidis?
Ioannidis is proficient at finding some space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He is a capable finisher in the final third and can create the odd chance for his teammates to score. The Greece international is a good dribbler with the ball as well. Standing at 1.87m, he can use his towering frame to hold possession up and win a few 50-50 aerial duels for his team in the opponent’s half.
However, it remains to be seen whether Ioannidis can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football. Still, there is no denying that he is good enough to add more firepower to West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui’s frontline.
At 24, the best is yet to come from Ioannidis, so the Hammers should focus on going back in for him before the end of this summer transfer window. He would no doubt increase competition for places within Lopetegui’s match-day squad.
However, Ioannidis is still under a long-term contract which makes him a difficult target for West Ham to sign in this summer transfer period.
