According to Radio Sport24 (via SDNA), West Ham United have launched a €10 million bid for Konstantinos Fortounis. The Olympiacos midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a few months now. It is believed that the Greek outfit are trying to tie Fortounis to a new contract. But, a move away from Greece could be on the horizon for the midfielder this summer.
What can Fortounis offer to the table?
Fortounis has played a critical role for Olympiacos this season that saw them finish just behind PAOK Salonika in the Greek Super League. He ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer with 12 goals in 28 matches. He was also involved in as many as 33 goals in all competition – making him one of the most productive Greek players in Europe this season.
A central attacking midfielder by trade, Fortounis offered the creative spark in the Olympiacos attack. His service in the final third benefitted the likes of Miguel Angel Guerrero and Ahmed Hassan, who ended up with 11 goals this season.
Much like Andriy Yarmolenko, Fortounis is a tall attacker who likes to operate in a more central role. His ability to drift past defenders at ease allows him to pose a potent threat for the opposition defences. He also has an eye for that defence-threading through ball, which is evident given the fact that he has already notched up 16 assists this season. Also, Fortounis is proficient when it comes to set-pieces, which is a crucial asset for anyone playing in the Premier League.
Should West Ham make a move for Fortounis?
Fortounis will be an exciting addition to West Ham United given their lack of reliable resources in the attacking department. The Greek international can operate as an attacking midfielder and could prove to be an upgrade to Robert Snodgrass. Furthermore, star forward Marko Arnautovic faces an uncertain future at the club. Fortounis, in that regard, could potentially become an indirect replacement for the Austrian international, should he leave the club this summer.
But, what makes Fortounis such an appealing target for West Ham is his offensive productivity. He has plundered 28 goals in all competitions within the past couple of seasons. And this ability to find the back of the net will add more bite to the Hammers attack.
It is unlikely Olympiacos will be willing to let go of their star player for a meagre fee of just €10 million. But, given the fact that his current contract with the club expires at the end of the next season, West Ham surely won’t have to go deep in their pockets to sign Fortounis this summer – making him an ideal target for the Londoners.
