West Ham eye move for 21y/o striker who scored 22 goals in 38 games last season
West Ham Begin Summer Overhaul with Young Signing as Striker Search Continues
West Ham United have wasted no time in kickstarting their summer rebuild. The club has reportedly secured a deal for 18-year-old Celtic forward Daniel Cummings, who is expected to join as soon as the transfer window opens.
Cummings is likely to serve as a backup option behind a more high-profile striker, a key position the Hammers are determined to strengthen in the coming months.
Their lack of attacking threat was evident throughout the season, and signing a proven centre-forward is a top priority.
According to the Daily Mail, one name under consideration is RB Salzburg’s Karim Konate.
The Ivorian striker had an impressive campaign before injury struck, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists in 38 appearances.
Prior to tearing his ACL in November, he had registered eight goals and two assists in 17 matches.
Despite the serious injury, West Ham remain interested in Konate, who hails from the same Salzburg system that produced stars like Erling Haaland and Benjamin Sesko.
The 20-year-old has long been seen as a future star and was showing signs of fulfilling that potential before his season was cut short.
However, the major question for West Ham is whether they can afford to take a chance on a player currently sidelined with a long-term injury.
With past disappointments like Niclas Fullkrug highlighting the risks of signing players not fully fit, the club must tread carefully.
While Konate’s talent is unquestionable, timing is everything. West Ham need an immediate impact—someone ready to lead the line from day one. Betting on a player still recovering from a serious injury would be a gamble the club can’t afford right now.
If the Hammers are serious about rebuilding, they must make pragmatic choices—starting with prioritising fully fit, ready-made solutions over long-term projects with fitness concerns.
(Stats via Transfermarkt)
