The same theme is likely to repeat itself this summer as several Premier League clubs rush to sign players who will strengthen their respective squads without breaking the bank. While West Ham may have the most pressing need to sign a striker this summer of any Premier League club, simply having the need is no guarantee of landing the top target.
Liam Delap, previously ‘favoured’ by the West Ham board, is now being linked with a move to Newcastle, whose Champions League hopes are alive and well. In any case, his eventual sale price will certainly be significantly higher than the £20 million relegation clause in his Ipswich Town deal. Everton, Wolves, and Newcastle are frequently said to be chasing the same objectives as the Irons.
According to reports, West Ham’s recruitment team reached a personal agreement with Corinthians’ Brazilian striker Yuri Alberto many weeks ago. However, frequent links in the past window suggested Premier League clubs were interested in him, and as the Golden Boot winner 2024, that interest has only increased: West Ham will not have a clear run.
Birminghamworld.uk reports on Wolves’ ongoing efforts to bring Alberto to Molineux in their story this morning:
“Wolves are eager to reignite their interest and sign him this summer. Brazilian publication Sobre Corinthians reports a bid is expected for Alberto in the transfer window, with Corinthians waiting for an offer of around €30 million (£25.2m).
Wolves may not be on their own, however, as West Ham United have been linked with Alberto in recent months. According to Caught Offside, the Hammers agreed personal terms with the striker last month.”
Alberto’s declared price is rising, as is the case with all ‘transfer targets’ at this stage of the season, and it is currently treble the bid made by West Ham in 2023. It is unclear whether this will continue if Alberto remains unsigned by the end of August. The Hammers will wait to see whether he can be brought to London at a more reasonable price, similar to a multi-million dollar game of ‘chicken’. With the associated risks.
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