Why West Ham should revive their interest in Yussuf Poulsen
Back in April, Bild (h/t The Shields Gazette), suggested that West Ham United were interested in signing RB Leipzig star Yussuf Poulsen in the summer. However, no talks regarding this move have developed since then.
Poulsen, 25, came through the ranks of Lyngby BK’s youth system and moved to Germany with RB Leipzig in the summer of 2013. He was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga and helped them qualify for the Champions League twice.
His impressive performances have also caught the eyes of Newcastle United and Everton, who are interested in signing him, as per the report. The report also suggested that Poulsen had asked to leave the Bundesliga outfit at the end of this season. And thus, West ham should revive their interest and look to make a move for the Danish forward.
The Hammers, meanwhile, have endured a poor campaign so far. They are currently in the 16th position in the league table, just three points above the relegation zone. Thus, the manager should bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to lift themselves and do better in the next season.
West Ham need more quality in attack
One of the chief reasons for their inconsistency is their problems in front of goal. Summer signings Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti have combined to score just 7 goals, with all of them coming from the Frenchman’s boots. Other forwards in the squad like Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko and Michail Antonio haven’t supported well either.
Moyes was forced to sign Jarrod Bowen in January to add depth to the attacking unit. Though the youngster has performed well and has forced himself into the starting XI, the Hammers will have to bring in reinforcements in the summer in the form of a striker. And Leipzig’s Poulsen would be a suitable option upfront.
The 25-year-old scored 15 goals in Bundesliga in 2018/19 and formed a strong partnership with German international Timo Werner. He enjoyed another productive season in 2019/20, finishing with five goals and 13 assists.
Poulsen has been in a fine run of form and has been consistent over the past few years for the German outfit. He has the qualities to succeed at a higher level and can be the right person to lead West Ham’s attack next season
The Danish international’s inclusion in Moyes’ squad would also bring healthy competition within the strikers and would give the manager more options to choose from.
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Verdict
The Hammers’ attacking unit has lacked consistency and quality. They need to score adequate goals if they are to do better in the top-flight. And Poulsen would provide them with the much-needed goals if he can reproduce the same form he has shown for Leipzig. Thus, the Londoners should reignite their interest in the Denmark international.