Why West Ham should move for Jonas Wind as Haller replacement

According to The Telegraph, West Ham have been credited with an interest in FC Copenhagen striker Jonas Wind as David Moyes bids to strengthen his squad before the January deadline. It is understood that the Hammers would prefer to do a deal in the summer rather than moving for the Danish international this month.

Profile

A youth exponent of Copenhagen, Jonas Wind progressed through the ranks. He caught the eye for the U-19s in the UEFA Youth League. He also featured for the club’s reserve side. The towering marksman eventually made his first-team breakthrough in the Danish Superligaen during the 2017-18 season.

The 21-year-old has established himself as a key player for Copenhagen in front of goal over the past 18 months. Wind has amassed 25 goals and 12 assists in 67 appearances for Copenhagen across all competitions. He also caught the eye in the club’s march to the quarter-final of the Europa League last term. 

Wind’s exploits at Copenhagen were rewarded with a senior international debut for Denmark last year. He has scored twice from 4 caps for the national side so far.

Hammers’ lack of options up top

West Ham have been left short of options in front of goal following the departure of Sebastian Haller to Ajax earlier this month. David Moyes now faces an uphill task of sailing smoothly through the remainder of the campaign with Michail Antonio as the only specialist centre-forward in the ranks.

Antonio has been firing on all cylinders following his return from injury, finding the net in recent wins over Burnley and West Brom in the Premier League. The 30-year-old has managed impressive returns of 5 goals in 11 league appearances so far this term. 

However, given his struggles with injuries, it would be a massive gamble for West Ham to not bring in a specialist replacement for Haller. Jarrod Bowen has played as a second striker on occasions but his best qualities are undoubtedly utilised out wide on the right.

Wind an ideal signing?

Putting things into context, Jonas Wind ticks the box as an ideal long-term replacement for Haller. The Danish international has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent times to evolve into one of the most lethal strikers in his homeland.

His performances in the Europa League further suggest that the youngster would be able to make the step up to more competitive surroundings. Standing at 6ft 3in with a towering frame, Wind’s inclusion in the mix would surely add more variety to Moyes’ forward line. 

Verdict

West Ham have had a lot of success in raiding the so-called lesser leagues in recent windows. The Likes of Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal have established themselves among the mainstays in Moyes’ set-up.

Read More

• Why West Ham signing Ondrej Kolar would be a smart piece of business
• Why West Ham have struck gold with a new deal for Michail Antonio

Wind, to that end, fits the bill as a promising young striker with room for development. That should make the Danish hitman an excellent long-term investment for the Hammers.