Why West Ham should do everything possible to sign Moussa Marega
Back in July 2019, the Daily Mirror (h/t The Express) had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing FC Porto striker Moussa Marega. However, no deal happened last summer and he stayed put with FC Porto.
Moussa Marega, 28, enjoyed an excellent 2018/19 campaign with Porto, netting 21 times. He was named Porto Footballer of the Year for 2019 following his impressive goalscoring run. The Malian has continued that form this campaign, scoring 9 goals and registering 7 assists in 34 games across all competitions.
The 28-year-old has performed consistently for the Portuguese giants since arriving from Maritimo in January 2016. Keeping everything in mind, West Ham must rekindle their interest in Marega when the transfer window opens in the summer.
West Ham are in real threat of getting relegated. They did end their two-game losing run with a 3-1 victory over Southampton last weekend but that didn’t change a lot in the grander scheme of things. David Moyes’ side are 16h in the table and they will need to start getting positive results to avoid getting relegated.
The Hammers have struggled for goals despite signing Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer. Haller has managed just 7 goals in 28 games, failing to live up to the high expectations of the London Stadium faithful. They also signed Albian Ajeti but the Swiss has managed only 8 Premier League appearances till date.
The East London outfit sold Marko Arnautovic and Lucas Perez this summer while Andy Carroll left after his contract expired. While Moyes did sign Jarrod Bowen from Hull City on January transfer deadline day, the Hammers still lack a prolific goalscorer in their ranks. Thus, West Ham should make a move for Marega.
After a loan spell with Vitória Guimaraes in the 2016/17 season where he netted 14 goals in 31 appearances, Marega started firing goals left, right and centre for Porto from the following season. In the 2017/18 season, he netted 23 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, helping Porto win the Primeira Liga. The Mali international enhanced his reputation further last season with 21 goals across all competitions.
Marega is capable of playing across a front three and would provide versatility to David Moyes, allowing the West Ham boss to alter his tactics as per the situation and opposition. The 28-year-old has proven himself in Portugal, netting 54 goals in 133 appearances for Porto. He also has international pedigree, having represented Mali 24 times, netting three goals.
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The 28-year-old’s inclusion in Moyes’ side would also bring healthy competition within the squad. And if Haller can raise the level of his game next season, West Ham could richly benefit from their partnership. Marega could provide the much-needed extra goals which the Hammers have failed to score throughout the season, if he reproduces his current form.
Verdict
At the age of 28, Marega is operating at the peak of his powers and there could be no better time for him to test himself in the Premier League. The Malian has all the required qualities to thrive in England and would be a good fit at the London Stadium.
