Why West Ham signing Salomon Kalou would be a good move

According to German outlet Kicker (h/t Daily Express), West Ham United are interested in signing Hertha Berlin forward Salomon Kalou.

The report also suggests that Hammers boss David Moyes looks to add firepower to West Ham’s fragile attack.

Born in Oume, Kalou, 34, began his career with the youth ranks of ASEC Mimosas in his homeland before joining Feyenoord in the summer of 2003. After failing to acquire Dutch citizenship, he moved to Chelsea in 2006, where he spent six successful years.

In his stint at Stamford Bridge, he won the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Community Shield. He then featured for French outfit Lille for two years before switching to the Olympiastadion Berlin in 2014.

After scoring 60 goals and providing 44 assists in 254 games for Chelsea, the Ivorian scored 14 league goals in 32 games for the German side in his second season with the club. He has notched up 53 goals for Hertha Berlin so far.

Essentially a right-footed winger, Kalou operates on the left-hand side of the pitch but is versatile enough to operate on the opposite flank too. The 34-year-old’s experience would come in handy, providing an added boost to the frontline.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Wednesday night has left them just one place above relegation-threatened Bournemouth with a goal difference in their favour.

Moyes’ men have scored 27 goals and conceded 40 in the league so far, which is a clear indication that they need to improve at both ends of the pitch.

The back injury to Felipe Anderson has worsened the situation and the other forwards like Sebastien Haller, Pablo Fornals and Andriy Yarmalenko haven’t contributed enough.

Verdict

That said, the Hammers should rope in Kalou at the earliest. In fact, West Ham must push hard to secure his services at least for on a short-term basis until the end of the season.