Why West Ham should plot a January swoop for Alfredo Morelos

Back in July, a report from the Daily Star had claimed that West Ham were interested in a £10million swoop for Rangers star, Alfredo Morelos. However, a move didn’t materialise and the striker has since stayed put at Rangers.

Alfredo Morelos, 23, broke into the public’s eye with his phenomenal goal tally of 29 across all competitions last season for Rangers. He played a key role for his side to finish second in the Scottish Premiership table behind arch-rivals Celtic.

The Colombian has hit the ground running in the new Scottish Premiership campaign and has 10 goals already across all competitions. It looks very probable that he will at least equal his record from the 2018-19 campaign.

Considering his exploits for the Gers and the manner in which he has started the 2019/20 campaign, West Ham must definitely reignite their interest during the winter transfer window.

West Ham allowed Lucas Perez, Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll, Javier Hernandez and Jordan Hugill leave the club and brought in only Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti this summer.

The Hammers spent big on Haller and the burly Frenchman has been Manuel Pellegrini’s undoubted first-choice upfront.

Haller has started very well in the Premier League and while Ajeti is yet to make his mark, Pellegrini’s options appear quite sparse up top. After selling Hernandez to Sevilla very late during the European transfer window, it makes sense for West Ham to go for Alfredo Morelos in January.

Morelos is a lethal finisher in the box and links up with his teammates as well in and around the box. He possesses plenty of pace and power, and his ability to hold the ball up despite not being the tallest of centre-forwards is commendable.

The 23-year-old uses his strength well in brushing off defenders, while he also contributes to the team in the defensive side of the things, working hard to get back and press the opposition when they have the ball.

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The Colombian international can frighten defences with his direct running, pace and movement, but he comes with baggage.

Morelos’ biggest problem is his temperament, which was highlighted by a total of five red cards he received last season alone. However, he is still very young and will get better with time, maturity and experience.

Verdict

Morelos’ disciplinary record has been on the downside, but if Pellegrini can channelise the extra aggression of the player and keep him focused in the game, then there’s no reason why West Ham shouldn’t splash big money on him in January.