7 goals and 4 assists – West Ham should sign this 21-year-old Ligue 1 speedster to perform better next season

Jonathan Bamba to West Ham United – Good move or bad?

West Ham United are reportedly interested in a summer move for Saint-Etienne star Jonathan Bamba and are keen on acquiring a pre-contract for the same. It is understood that his deal with the French club will run out once the season comes to an end and David Moyes is adamant about snapping him up before potential suitors come hunting.

The France U21 star was also on the radar of a few other Premier League clubs during the recently concluded January transfer window but now, the Hammers appear to be in pole position to sign him.

Having joined Saint-Etienne as a nervy 15-year-old, Bamba has certainly come a long way. He gradually rose through the ranks due to his blistering pace and creative skills, which eventually helped him secure a spot for himself in the first-team.

He is an out-and-out attacker and is extremely versatile as well – a quality that is likely to appeal to Moyes. He has played across a variety of attacking roles this season and has appeared as a winger on either side, a midfielder on either side and also as a centre-forward.

Despite being so young, Bamba has contributed 7 goals and 4 assists for the club this term and was even declared the Man of the Match on two occasions. It is a known fact that West Ham are keen on adding to their front forces over the summer, even after bringing in Jordan Hugill from Preston North End last month. To that end, a move for the talented 21-year-old could pay off in dividends for the London-based club.

Bamba is not only speedy and aggressive but he also has the ability to make some top-class passes and is quite generous when it comes to creating opportunities for his teammates. Considering the fact that Moyes already has the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, Javier Hernandez and Hugill in hand, a player like Bamba could truly prove to be a valuable addition. Also, landing him could be relatively easy since the player is understood to be keen on securing a move even though Saint-Etienne want him to sign a new contract.

More often than not, the Hammers have lacked a creative outlet in their attack and signing Bamba can help them overcome that. He is still quite young and has a long way ahead of him. He could work wonders under the watchful eyes of Moyes. More often than not, West Ham have struggled with scoring goals and although they seem safe in 12th spot now, Bamba could prove to be effective in their quest for a higher finish next season.