West Ham suffered another setback at the weekend as they were beaten 3-2 by high-flying Aston Villa.
The Hammers had a dream start, with Mateus Fernandes dispossessing Ezri Konsa and firing a low drive into the top corner after just 29 seconds. Nine minutes later, however, Konstantinos Mavropanos inadvertently headed John McGinn’s cross into his own net to level the score.
Jarrod Bowen restored West Ham’s lead just before half-time, but a second-half brace from Morgan Rogers sealed all three points for the visitors.
Despite showing glimpses of improvement under Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham remain 18th in the Premier League, with relegation a very real threat if changes aren’t made.
Goals have been scarce — only 19 in 16 games — and with Niclas Füllkrug set to leave and Callum Wilson’s age and injury record meaning he isn’t a long-term solution, signing a new striker is a must for survival.
West Ham Assessing Josh Sargent
According to The Sun, West Ham have added Norwich City striker Josh Sargent to their January shortlist.
The 25-year-old USA international has been described by former Norwich head coach Liam Manning as “a really high level striker” and has already scored six goals in the Championship this season.
Sargent, who has previously expressed a desire to test himself in top-flight football, is valued at around £15 million by Norwich.
West Ham are said to be keeping a close eye on his progress, exploring whether he could provide the cutting edge needed to turn their season around.
With Nuno Espirito Santo desperate to strengthen the attack, Sargent represents a potentially shrewd acquisition: a forward with Premier League potential, proven goal-scoring ability, and the physicality to lead the line at the London Stadium.
The Hammers’ board are reportedly willing to back the manager in January, though they may need to fund any deal through player sales.
Sargent could be exactly the type of striker West Ham need to climb out of the relegation zone. If negotiations progress smoothly, the USA international may finally offer Nuno the attacking solution the Hammers have been missing all season.
