West Ham are in the market for a new striker ahead of January, and signing one has been made all the more important as injury-prone centre-forward, Niclas Füllkrug, continues to prove he cannot be relied upon to lead Nuno Espírito Santo’s line.
West Ham turn to the two Callums after Fullkrug injury blow
Fullkrug, as confirmed by Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, has suffered a torn muscle bundle in his thigh and reports suggest the 32-year-old will be absent for ‘several weeks’ as a result.
This latest knock, coming after Fullkrug missed 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season, highlights why the ex-Borussia Dortmund star isn’t the ideal man to spearhead Nuno’s side away from the relegation zone long-term.
Brentford (home)
October 20
Leeds United (away)
October 24
Newcastle United (home)
November 2
Burnley (home)
November 8
With Fullkrug out, the spotlight falls on just two strikers — Callum Marshall and Callum Wilson.
Marshall, a promising young forward, offers energy and potential but lacks Premier League experience.
While he has shown glimpses of talent during his limited appearances and time on loan at Huddersfield last season, relying heavily on a developing player to lead the line in such a competitive league is a major gamble — even if supporters are keen to see the Northern Irishman get minutes.
The pressure to perform week in, week out at this level could expose Marshall’s inexperience, and West Ham’s attacking threat might suffer as a result.
Wilson, on the other hand, brings Premier League pedigree, but his injury history has been a persistent concern.
His recurring fitness issues have severely limited the centre-forward’s availability in recent seasons, making it difficult for Nuno to count on him as a dependable option. Should the 33-year-old struggle to stay fit, West Ham’s striking options become even thinner — placing further strain on the team’s goal-scoring capabilities.
Jarrod Bowen can play as a striker when required, and this will likely be considered by Nuno before West Ham take on Brentford in his first home game as manager.
Nevertheless, the need for a new number nine is crystal clear, but West Ham have already rejected the chance to sign Emmanuel Dennis on a free transfer.
West Ham make Ivan Toney decision after being offered ideal striker
In the build up to January, reports have suggested that West Ham could turn to ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney as a temporary solution.
The Hammers, amid claims they’ve considered a loan deal for the Al-Ahli striker, who earns £426,000-per-week in the Middle East, have apparently made a decision on bringing the 29-year-old back to England.
According to insider Claret & Hugh, Toney is not the right profile they’re looking for, as West Ham want someone with more pace and directness up top.
“Forget Toney. West Ham are looking for a very quick, mobile striker who can play across the front line,” a transfer source told C&H.
“Toney is an out-and-out number 9 who needs pace around him, and West Ham are a slow team. All of the club’s current problems have been with recruitment — it’s diabolical.
“They need pace up front and pace in midfield. Yes, Nuno had Chris Wood at Forest, but he had pace either side and a quick player behind him. Toney had the same at Brentford.”
Expanding further, the source also claims that West Ham have been offered a mystery alternative to Toney who “fits the bill”.
“West Ham have already been offered a player who fits the bill,” the source added.
“It’s on loan with an obligation to buy — and no, it’s not Ivan Toney.”
We can only speculate as to who this striker could be, and there is a potential chance it could be Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.
The Serbian, who’s scored at least 14 goals per season since his breakthrough campaign in 21/22, is out of contract in 2026 and reports suggest his agents are reaching out to Premier League teams in search of a new club.
That being said, Vlahovic is also on mammoth wages, so he’d have to take a seismic pay cut to join West Ham.