West Ham are now plotting a move for the ‘unbelievable’ £40m jewel who could replace Fullkrug

With Graham Potter seemingly on course to replace Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United now they are reportedly planning to sign a £40million young striker who could do the same for Niclas Fullkrug.

West Ham transfer news

Just when it looked like yes Julen Lopetegui turned things around at the London Stadium with a four-game unbeaten run, Liverpool and Manchester City coming from behind to thrash the Hammers 9-1 on aggregate, the final straw for the Spaniard. His replacement is increasingly likely to be Graham Potter, who could return to management for the first time since being sacked by Chelsea in 2023.

In a move that must go to plan for Potter after his failure at Chelsea and the long wait to return to the technical area, the Hammers could turn to transfer market and bring back your new manager immediately. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, West Ham are now plotting the signing of Conrad Harder from Sporting CP in a €50m (£42m) deal this month.

With Chelsea and Arsenal also interested in the 19-year-old, West Ham will undoubtedly need to put together a convincing display to win the race to secure Harder’s signature for years to come. And that’s where Potter’s arrival and the Hammers’ hopeful rise as a result could pay off.

What should also give those at the London Stadium a much-needed boost in their pursuit of the striker is that Sporting are reportedly demanding £40m instead of Harder’s €80m (£67m) release clause.

“Amazing” Harder would solve West Ham’s striker problem

With Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen currently sidelined, West Ham will be forced to turn to summer signing Fullkrug to make a once-and-for-all breakthrough after a slow start to life in the Premier League. Alas, at 31, the former Borussia Dortmund striker is far from a long-term option or perhaps even a short-term replacement for Bowen on current form. Instead, this is where Harder could make an immediate impact.

The 19-year-old has been a star player for Sporting this season, scoring nine goals and assisting a further six in 29 games in all competitions. Earning impressive praise as a result, Harder’s start to life in Portugal has been called “incredible” Football talent scout Jacek Kulig back in November.

At just £40m, West Ham could land one of the bargains and players with much more if they secure Harder’s signature this month.