4 Strikers West Ham Should Target After Niclas Füllkrug’s Injury

• West Ham urgently need a striker this month due to injury setbacks.
• Niclas Füllkrug faces up to three months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
• Potential targets include Jonathan David and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Just as Niclas Füllkrug seemed to be settling into life at West Ham, the dreaded injury curse struck again.

The Hammers’ striker struggles have been well-documented in recent years, leaving them heavily reliant on 33-year-old Michail Antonio and even winger Jarrod Bowen as makeshift options up front. Füllkrug, signed to ease the goal-scoring burden, now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury. With Bowen also out with a broken foot and Antonio unavailable indefinitely, new head coach Graham Potter is running out of options.

West Ham need reinforcements urgently, and whether they opt for a short-term fix or a long-term solution, the January transfer window offers some intriguing possibilities. Here are four strikers who could be on their radar:

1. Jonathan David

With just six months left on his Lille contract, Jonathan David is one of the most enticing striker options available. The Canadian international has been a consistent goal-scorer in Ligue 1, especially since the 2022/23 season, where he racked up 54 goals in 88 league appearances.

David’s game is built around his clinical finishing and versatility. While many of his goals have come from the penalty spot, his ability as a poacher and a dynamic forward is undeniable.

Given his contract situation, West Ham could secure David’s prime years without breaking the bank—a tempting prospect for a club in desperate need of firepower.

2. Evan Ferguson

If Potter prefers a striker with Premier League experience, Evan Ferguson might be the perfect fit.

The Irish forward was handed his league debut by Potter during their time at Brighton. While Ferguson’s breakout season came under Roberto De Zerbi, his career has stalled under new Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, with limited playing opportunities.

Ferguson’s physicality and ability to hold up play would suit West Ham’s direct style, and a short-term loan move could benefit all parties. With Brighton favoring other options up front, Ferguson could be a realistic and impactful signing for the Hammers.

3. Emmanuel Latte Lath

West Ham could look to the Championship for their striker solution, with Emmanuel Latte Lath standing out as a prime candidate.

The Middlesbrough striker enjoyed a red-hot finish to the 2023/24 season, scoring eight goals in the final six league games, and has continued his fine form this season with 10 goals already.

At 26, Latte Lath is entering his prime, and his recent performances have caught the eye of Premier League clubs, including Leeds. However, his rising stock means West Ham may have to pay upwards of £20 million to secure his services—a significant investment for a player yet to prove himself in the top flight.

4. Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s career has been plagued by injuries, but at his best, he offers a skill set that perfectly aligns with Potter’s style of play.

The Everton striker has scored just twice in the Premier League this season, but his combination of aerial dominance, ability to stretch defenses, and poaching instincts make him an ideal target-man.

Rumors of a fallout with Sean Dyche suggest that Calvert-Lewin could be available for the right offer. While his injury history is a concern, his potential to reignite his career under Potter could make him a gamble worth taking.

Conclusion

West Ham find themselves in a precarious position, and signing a striker in January is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether they opt for a proven goal-scorer like Jonathan David, a young talent like Evan Ferguson, or take a gamble on a Championship star or an injury-prone veteran, Graham Potter must address the team’s lack of firepower immediately to keep their season on track.