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West Ham now want to sign a player who Louis van Gaal once described as being quicker than Arjen Robben – and he is up for sale.
Aside from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, the attacking department at the London Stadium is in need of added firepower, after Michail Antonio and Danny Ings scored just eight goals – combined – in the 2023/24 campaign.
Now, a deal could be on for West Ham to sign an exciting forward from the Netherlands…
West Ham interested in Steven Bergwijn
TBR Football understand that West Ham are keen to sign Steven Bergwijn this summer.
The Ajax No.7 is the highest paid player at the Johan Cruyff Arena, and after the Dutch giants failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, sales are needed to balance finances – with Jordan Henderson also at risk of being offloaded.
Bergwijn is said to earn £75,000-a-week in Amsterdam.
Sources have also told TBR Football that the Netherlands international is open to moving back to the Premier League – specifically London – having enjoyed his two years at Tottenham, before leaving for Ajax in a £26m deal back in July 2022.
West Ham boast a strong relationship with Ajax after previously signing Kudus and Edson Alvarez from the Dutch giants – both of whom have been successful additions in east London.
TBR Football also understand that Brentford and Brighton are fans of Bergwijn – who could become an option for Crystal Palace too if Ebere Eze or Michael Olise depart.
The 26-year-old scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 31 appearances across all competitions for Ajax last season.
Julen Lopetegui could sign a rapid forward
As aforesaid, Bergwijn has been described by Van Gaal as a faster forward than Robben.
That truly speaks volumes, seeing as the Dutch football legend was clocked by FIFA as the quickest player ever during the 2014 World Cup, having clocked up a speed of 37km/h against Spain.
Speaking to NU in 2022, Van Gaal said: “If Bergwijn (keeps playing) as he did tonight, he will be the equivalent of Robben and Van Persie, but with more speed. He is a point of contact, does not lose a ball and also scores. What more could you want?”
READ MORE: West Ham now close to signing player who fell out with Steven Gerrard
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as this deal sounds quite realistic – given the fact Ajax are willing to sell, while the Dutchman himself is open to coming back to London.