Is this the new Demba Ba - Hammers weighing up striking sensation!

Back in 2011 Demba Ba arrived at West ham and became an instant success, banging in 7 goals in 12 games as the Hammers tried to avoid relegation. Ba came with a health warning as he had failed a medical at Stoke. However, that proved unwarranted as he continued his excellent scoring form after he exited the relegated Hammers with impressive spells at Newcastle and Chelsea. 

Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface comes with a similar tag - having lost out on a high profile move to Milan due to a failed medical. The 24 year old Nigerian striker brings pace and power along with an impressive goalscoring rate of over 50% (22 in 42 games) for Leverkusen.

However, it hasn’t been all smiles as he has had lengthy injury spells that have included two ACL injuries (2019 for 6 months and a full year in 2020/21). At Leverkusen, 

He sustained an adductor injury which kept him out for 3 months in 2024 and subsequently has had a variety of niggles. 

This would be a bit of a punt for West ham but the worst of his injuries do seem to be behind him and his robust style seems suited to the Premiership. 

The perfect Antonio replacement? Boniface’s time at Leverkusen appears up and a loan deal might be in the offing. The Hammers would certainly be transformed by a fit Boniface!

We will keep you updated…

West Ham and the Green Eyed Monster

Two Peas in a Pod...

It's hard not be a little envious of fans of other clubs who have already made their mark on the transfer market as the Hammers go cap in hand seeking the signature of a variety of overvalued players who are ready to cash in on the endless wealth of the Premiership. Man United and Everton have been quick out of the blocks and will be feeling well satisfied with their business to date. Envious, we may be, but perhaps the green-eyed monster is the solution to our woes. 

Javier Hernandez AKA 'Chicarito' (the little pea) is well known to West Ham fans from his spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid and most recently Bayer Leverkusen. His goalscoring record speaks for itself and of all of the potential striking signings that have been mooted so far this Summer, he looks the one most likely to deliver the 15-20 goals per season that we need to push for a European spot. 

Having both a father (Chicaro - pea due to his green eye colour) and grandfather as Mexican Internationals, he has considerable pedigree (and has notched 48 international goals in 96 internationals). Having just turned 29 years old, his last three seasons in Germany have seen him grab 39 goals in 76 appearances. He has a season left on his contract and a E13million release clause, but his demands of apparently £140k per week pose the main stumbling block.  

The bookies have installed the Hammers as 5/6 favourites to sign the little pea, with a stay at Leverkusen quoted at 11/8. Interestingly, although Chelsea are rumoured to be interested, Spurs (8/1), Man United (14/1) and Liverpool (20/1) are the other English clubs quoted.

Hernandez looks like the sort of quality capture that the Hammers need to set out their stall as a ‘big’ club who want to compete with the best. Fingers crossed…