Gianluca Scamacca’s injury with Atalanta justifies West Ham United’s transfer choice.
This summer, West Ham United was eager to expand its options for strikers as David Moyes sought more competition for his forward line.
Gianluca Scamacca’s acquisition by the Hammers last summer gave the impression that their striker problems had finally been resolved, but after a disappointing first season in England, he was traded this summer for £27 million to Serie A team Atalanta [Daily Mail, 7 August].
The Italian forward had a difficult time adjusting to life in England; he made 16 Premier League games but only managed to score three goals due to several injuries and knee surgery.
A second season might have ultimately yielded a return on the Hammers’ investment, according to some suggestions that the Irons should have given the forward time to adjust to life in the Premier League. A sentiment that may have been strengthened by the 24-year-old’s early-season performance for Atalanta, when he netted twice in 162 minutes of play.
But given that Scamacca has reportedly experienced yet another setback, Tutto Mercato (20 September) reports that David Moyes’ choice to permit the striker to leave appears to have been correct. According to the Italian newspaper, the forward’s three-week absence is anticipated after sustaining a thigh injury against Fiorentina.
Scamacca would have been of little use to the Hammers if he was once again confined to the treatment table. While the Italians’ departure has left Moyes short on forward alternatives this summer, with Michail Antonio and Danny Ings the only acknowledged senior centre-forwards in the Irons’ roster.
The 24-year-old’s lack of motivation in prolonging his career at the London Stadium was glaringly obvious, and while West Ham did incur a slight loss by keeping the attacker, they had the opportunity to sever connections with him before his worth plummeted significantly.
Few supporters and media members have expressed concern about the lack of a striker capable of scoring 20 goals per season thus far this season thanks to players like Antonio and Jarred Bowen, and Moyes may be able to bring in a replacement in January using the proceeds from the sale of Scamacca.
It remains to be seen if West Ham will be successful in locating the center-forward they have been so urgently seeking when the window reopens. In any case, they appear to be doing considerably better without the Italian striker.
Additionally, Antonio has boldly predicted that West Ham will finish ahead of Liverpool this season.
Leave a Reply