West Ham could seal an even more “phenomenal” striker signing than Delap

West Ham United’s issues within the final third have been evident throughout the Premier League this season, simply unable to find the goods within attacking areas.

The Hammers have scored just 40 goals in their 35 outings to date, with only four teams scoring fewer, three of which have already been relegated from the top-flight.

Only one player in the first team squad has managed to register double figures in terms of goals, highlighting the need for added investment over the summer.

Michail Antonio has missed the majority of the campaign through injury, whilst big-money addition Niclas Füllkrug has been unable to provide the goods – scoring just three goals in 2024/25.

Such scenarios have seen one player take all the responsibility in forward areas, with manager Graham Potter needing added reinforcements to help share the workload next time around.

West Ham’s leading attacker throughout 2024/25

Jarrod Bowen has frequently been West Ham’s leading star in attacking areas this season, registering 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions despite their lowly league standing.

The 28-year-old has scored various key goals throughout this campaign, with it unthinkable as to where the side would be without his contributions in recent months.

Goals against Southampton, Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur all secured points for Potter’s side, with their lack of threat in the final third an issue that desperately needs addressing this summer.

If he were to sustain an injury, it would leave the side with a real lack of threat, with Tomas Soucek currently sitting as the Hammers’ second top scorer on eight goals.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, Potter needs to make such a transfer a priority, with numerous names already entering the fold as potential options during the off-season.

Why West Ham should sign a star who’s better than Liam Delap

Liam Delap is just one name who’s been thrown into the mix over a summer move to join West Ham, with countless other sides also in the mix for his signature.

The 22-year-old, who’s scored 12 league goals this campaign, has a £30m relegation release clause within his contract, which has become active after the Tractor Boys dropped back into the Championship.

If they were to land his signature in the summer, they would face the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest for his services – potentially ruling them out of the race.

However, they should be looking elsewhere, potentially in the direction of Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, who’s also previously been touted with a move to join the Hammers in the coming months.

When comparing the Dutchman’s stats with those of Delap, he has massively outperformed him, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Potter’s squad.

Emegha, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored more goals to date, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – offering the Hammers an excellent all-round option in attacking areas.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, but given his record in Ligue 1 this campaign – it’s a deal worth exploring with the rewards there for Potter next campaign.

If the manager is to be a success at the London Stadium, he needs to get the recruitment spot on and target young talents rather than additions like those of Fullkrug, which haven’t worked out.

Emegha has the attributes to be a success in the top flight should the club decide to make a move, taking the weight off Bowen’s shoulders and allowing for a solid partnership in the final third between the pair.

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