West Ham United boasted serious interest in Moroccan marksman Youssef En-Nesyri in January of 2021, which ultimately failed, and seemingly settled on Gianluca Scamacca as the man to succeed Michail Antonio this summer.
The £35.5m Italian was coming off a 16-goal haul for Sassuolo, but since moving has only mustered two goals for his new side in domestic football and a further four across seven Europa Conference League appearances.
That could therefore explain the Hammers’ reported return for the Sevilla striker who has been starring at the World Cup.
His strike against Canada, which actually ended up being the winner, outlined another good performance as his side shocked the world to finish top of a group containing both Belgium and Croatia.
With it, he actually became the first-ever Moroccan to score at two different World Cups.
The 25-year-old has maintained his threat throughout the competition, averaging a 6.93 rating and leading the line with power and finesse.
Having been quoted €40m (£34m) in the summer, En Nesyri’s apparent desire to move could now give the Irons a perfect chance to get their long-standing target at a cheaper price.
Despite having endured a somewhat barren run this season in La Liga, he has scored twice in just four Champions League games.
However, it was his performances during the 2020/21 campaign that truly drew widespread interest.
Scoring 18 La Liga goals, he would continue his fine performances in European competition with six goals in just eight appearances.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has been one of many keen to sing his praises, as he said: “I will tell you that much. He will carry a threat top end of the pitch. He has good size, speed, knows where the goal is, he is skilful.”
In Qatar, he has proven this on the world stage, and although his domestic form is waning, perhaps it could be worth taking a risk on 6 foot 2 finisher to allow Scamacca added time to acclimatise.
With a pathway seemingly opened up for his signing, finally, they will have the chance to sign a man they clearly have wanted for some time.
