According to a recent report by Calciomercato, West Ham United will have to fight it out with Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the race to secure the services of Hirving Lozano from Napoli. The same source has also revealed that the Mexican international’s current contract at Naples runs out in the summer of 2024. Therefore, Gennaro Gattuso won’t be under any pressure to sell him unless the Napoli owners want to cash in on him to cope with the financial constraints at the club.
Lozano’s Struggles In The Serie A Thus Far
Lozano has struggled to be productive during his time at the Stadio San Paolo since moving from PSV Eindhoven before the start of this campaign. He has only managed to score three goals and provide two assists in 28 matches for the Italian outfit this term in all competitions.
The Pachuca academy graduate has failed to replicate his scoring record from his time in Dutch football which is why it makes sense for Napoli to cut their losses by moving him on this summer. He has averaged 1.3 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.8 dribbles in every 90 minutes of top-flight football this season (stats via whoscored). His stats for Napoli does not make for good reading. However, there is no denying Lozano’s impact on the Mexican national side in recent years.
The 24-year-old has earned 39 senior caps for his nation and has netted ten goals in the process. He looks set to have a promising future at the international level, having helped his country reach the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Russia back in 2018.
What Will The Mexican International Add To Moyes’ Team?
Lozano is one of the quickest players in the Italian first division and can be a tricky man to catch in a 1v1 footrace down the left flank. He has shown some flashes of his brilliance when dribbling with the ball but needs to contribute more often in the offensive end of the pitch. The Mexican star has excellent balance and a low centre of gravity which enables him to be a constant menace in the final third.
Recruiting a winger of Lozano’s qualities will undoubtedly be a brilliant coup for the Hammers if David Moyes can win the race to bring him to the Premier League in this off-season. He will not only bring more creativity and goal-threat to the West Ham frontline but also provide more competition for the likes of Andriy Yarmolenko, Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen at the London Stadium.
Furthermore, Lozano has the potential to strike up a potent attacking partnership with Felipe Anderson at the East London club. Hence, Moyes would be wise to take a punt on the Mexican playmaker because he could propel them to compete for a Top 6 place in the English top-flight next season.
