West Ham have made a move for Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis, as manager David Moyes looks to shape his squad ahead of the new season.
Emmanuel Dennis, 24, joined Watford from Club Brugge last year and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in England, netting 10 goals and registering six assists in 33 appearances. Following the Hornets’ relegation, the Nigerian international is valued at about £ 20 million.
The 24-year-old forward’s impact and numbers in a relegated Watford side last season has caught the attention of West Ham. Dennis is viewed by the Irons as a player who would hit the ground running next campaign. He is among a number of attacking options for David Moyes, who wants to beef up his squad this summer.
West Ham keen to add cover for Michail Antonio
Since the departure of Sebastian Haller to Ajax in January 2021, David Moyes is yet to sign a replacement, thereby, leaving him with Michail Antonio as the only option up top.
Antonio, 32, has done well in West Ham’s last two successful seasons under Moyes but there has always been a worry about his fitness. Plus at 32, the Jamaican international is not getting any younger and could do well with some support up front next term.
Emmanuel Dennis could make an instant impact for the Hammers
In his debut season in English football, Emmanuel Dennis showed that he is proficient at creating space for himself to get a few shots on goal and test the goalkeeper. He is quick, agile and dangerous in the final third of the pitch, and can give defenders a torrid time with his dribbling skills and movement.
The Nigerian international can create some meaningful chances for his teammates in and around the opposition’s box. Add his speed, flair and work ethic to his flexibility to play in any position across the front-line, Dennis could make an instant impact for Moyes’ West Ham side.
Having a player like Dennis would give the Hammers’ attack a different dimension while helping Moyes in terms of giving a rest to Antonio when required during what is expected to be a gruelling campaign. Also, the east Londoners could line up with Dennis and Antonio as a pair up top if needed.
At 24, the ex-Club Brugge star certainly has a lot more to offer than he showed at Watford this past season. Dennis has the qualities required to thrive in Moyes’ system at the London Stadium, and thus with all things considered, West Ham must quickly snap him up from Watford before other clubs start circling.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
