According to a recent report by Sky Sports, West Ham United have been offered an opportunity to secure the services of FC Porto centre-forward Moussa Marega during this summer transfer period. The same source has also mentioned that the Liga NOS goal-getter has a €30m (£26.9m) release clause and is keen on making a switch to the Premier League with the Hammers desperately looking to find a suitable replacement for Marko Arnautovic who has left the club in favour of a move to the Chinese Super League earlier in this off-season.
Sky Sports goes on to claim that Manuel Pellegrini’s side were interested in recruiting Marega last summer, but a deal failed to materialise back then. Hence, the East London outfit can now have the perfect opportunity to sign the Mali international before the start of the new campaign.
Marega’s Fabulous Spell In Portuguese Football
The Les Ulis born talent enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Porto after he put in numerous match-winning displays for them last season. Marega registered 21 goals and grabbed 11 assists in 47 appearances for the Portuguese giants in the previous term across all competitions.
He was in incredible form in the UEFA Champions League last season when he scored six goals and created three assists in nine European matches. The 28-year-old has also earned 18 international caps for Mali and has scored twice for them so far.
What Does The Mali International Offer On The Pitch?
Marega boasts blistering pace which enables him to dribble with the ball and make some penetrative runs behind the opposition backline. He is also aerially dominant and can hold the ball up well to bring his teammates into the game in the final third.
What makes Marega such an extraordinary talent is his ability to score goals consistently on the pitch. However, he is yet to prove his worth at the highest level, so there are some concerns over whether he would be able to be as prolific in the English top-flight as he has been in Portugal.
Should Pellegrini Consider Making A Move For Marega?
Marega could turn out to be a fantastic short-term acquisition for the Hammers. He will not only add more goals to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad but could also help them compete for a trophy next season.
