According to reports, West Ham United are trying to land Benfica star Raul Jimenez in the remaining hours of the transfer market as the Hammers boss Slaven Bilic looks for last-minute additions that could save his managerial career at the London Stadium. While the Portuguese giants were unwilling to let the Mexican forward move this summer, the prospect of getting Gabriel Barbosa from Inter Milan has led them to change their stance.
After losing the first three Premier League games of the season, West Ham have realised that Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic aren’t enough for them up front. Despite wide protests from around the club to sack the Croatian manager, the board has decided to stick with him a bit longer and it goes without saying that the manager will be on thin ice when the club resume their campaign after the international break.
With his side playing clubs like Huddersfield Town, West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City next month, who have all had better starts to their campaign, Bilic is definitely having the most important few weeks ahead of him. And someone like Jimenez could really bring back the confidence at London Stadium.
The Mexican international is known for his work rate and tenacity in the attacking third and after a failed stint with La Liga side, Atletico Madrid, has found some composure with the defending Liga NOS Champions. The 26-year-old is enjoying his peak years now and West Ham could definitely get a long-term option in him.
However, he hasn’t been felt very needed in the Benfica camp either and after scoring 12 goals and four assists over the past two seasons, has seen his first team chances drying up. The club has mostly used him as an impact player and he could see regular chances at West Ham.
His inconsistency was first seen at Vicente Calderon that led manager Diego Simeone to dispose of him after just one year of his arrival. His early years were fruitful though when he was playing for Liga MX Apertura (Mexican League) side CF America. Jimenez managed to score 31 goals and provide 16 assists in 82 appearances over a span of three years.
Despite his unproven stature, the main reason for Jimenez’s demand among the clubs is his versatility across the field. Naturally a number 9, he can play in the attacking midfield, on the flanks and can ply his trade around the defence, crafting spaces or running in behind them. Although not a proven goal scorer, the player can definitely add value to the team.
