It looks like West Ham are moving quickly ahead of the January window — with reports now suggesting that their top transfer target is 24-year-old Canadian forward Promise David.
It was claimed earlier this week that the Hammers had made enquiries about the striker’s availability ahead of the winter window, and now, according to TeamTalk, the Hammers are the frontrunners to land the Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) striker’s signature.
Why Promise David is on West Ham’s radar
David has come a long way — starting his professional career in Estonia before breaking through in Belgium. In his first full season at USG, he netted 24 goals and played a crucial part in ending the club’s decades-long wait for major success by lifting the Belgian First Division title in 24/25, their first league title since 1935.
Standing at around 6ft 4in with a powerful presence and sharp instincts inside the box, David’s blend of physicality and finishing makes him a textbook candidate for the Premier League. Scouts and insiders reportedly view him as “value,” with some even labelling him “the monster” — such is his dominance in the penalty area.
This season he’s already scored nine goals — a sign, perhaps, that his rise isn’t a one-season fluke but the start of something more consistent.
Since signing for USG, the Canada international has scored 33 goals in 61 appearances, including three in seven appearances in Europe.
How he fits West Ham’s plans — and why it matters now
For West Ham, the need to reinforce Nuno Espirito Santo‘s attack has become urgent. With Niclas Füllkrug expected to leave in January amid a miserable return from injury and inconsistent form, and despite recent signs of life from Callum Wilson, Nuno and his recruitment staff appear set on adding at least one more forward in January.
David’s attributes — aerial strength, hold-up play and a natural goal threat — would provide a proper centre-forward focal point, potentially unlocking more space for creative players like Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paquetá.
The reported fee — roughly €20 million (about £17–18 million) — has reportedly been described internally as “laughably low” for a forward with Champions League pedigree and with years remaining on his contract. For a club often sensitive to inflated valuations, that price tag makes this a “don’t overthink it” opportunity.
West Ham face competition for Promise David
There is reportedly interest from other Premier League clubs — fellow strugglers Wolves and Leeds United are supposedly also considering bids for David.
Given that, it seems the Hammers are already looking to firm up contact ahead of January, which would be a sensible move if they want to lock down a transfer before the usual scramble drives up the price or pushes David’s focus away.
From where we stand, targeting David feels like the kind of decisive, forward-thinking move the club has lacked in recent windows. If it goes through, West Ham would be seizing a rare chance to invest in a young, hungry striker who might just have the potential to deliver on what we’ve all been missing for years: a genuine, reliable No. 9 up top.
