KEY POINTS

  • West Ham's David Moyes is urged to chase a proven striker this transfer window
  • Moyes has Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite on his radar
  • Financial flexibility could hinder West Ham's pursuit of Braithwaite

One player who could find him displaced on the Barcelona roster soon is Martin Braithwaite.

The Danish striker made quite an impression at the European Championships, and now several clubs have been linked to the 30-year-old player.

The latest club to express interest is reportedly West Ham United.

According to the Spanish outlet Sport, the Hammers are pursuing Braithwaite. With the arrival of players like Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay, the Danish player is reportedly up for sale.

If these claims progress, Braithwaite could be joining a team that is looking to fill a void.

Sebastian Haller was sold in January, and the Hammers are looking for a new striker. Although they managed to make it to the Europe League without a striker, adding one this transfer window would make sense.

Although he made a good account of himself during the European Championships, enlisting Braithwaite has its pros and cons.

Some feel that David Moyes should target someone better and take in a top-class striker to the London Stadium.

It seems that the Danish player’s track record has something to do with it.

The Barca forward holds a poor career goal-scoring record. He has managed only 94 goals in 401 games, something that does not give Moyes and company a fair shake according to columnist Anthony Mart.

He is valued to be between £10 million to £12 million ($13 million to $16 million) if he leaves Barca.

In his opinion, West Ham United should go for an athletic, energetic, and physically robust player.

Braithwaite hardly fits those traits and believes that he would be an odd signing if it were to push through.

Martin Braithwaite of Denmark
Martin Braithwaite of Denmark Getty Images | Naomi Baker

Although Braithwaite has shown improvement since moving to La Liga, pundits question how he would fare in English football.

There is also the question of how he would fit in with the system of Moyes, who needs a striker with a proven track record.

If all else fails, then that is perhaps the time that Moyes can resort to Braithwaite on a reasonable deal.

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