West Ham United are reportedly preparing to submit a £29 million bid for Galatasaray’s forward Baris Alper Yilmaz in the upcoming days, as reported by Sabah. The Turkish news outlet, referenced by Sporx on 17 July, noted that the Hammers were particularly impressed by Yilmaz’s performances during Euro 2024. Turkey’s national team finished second in Group F, which included formidable opponents like Portugal, Georgia, and the Czech Republic.
Despite West Ham’s keen interest, it is believed that Galatasaray’s management is not inclined to part with the 24-year-old striker. Yilmaz is currently on vacation, taking a well-deserved break after his efforts in the European Championship held in Germany.
Julen Lopetegui, West Ham’s manager, is actively seeking a new forward to bolster the squad, and Yilmaz appears to be a promising candidate for the role at the London Stadium this summer. Although Yilmaz did not find the back of the net during Turkey’s journey to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, his overall play significantly impressed the scouts from the London-based club.
During the 2023/24 Super Lig season, Yilmaz showcased his skills by scoring six goals and providing six assists in 37 appearances. This impressive performance earned him a spot on the national team, where he has already made 20 appearances.
Yilmaz’s versatility allows him to play across the frontline, which could add depth to West Ham’s attacking options. However, the team already boasts players like Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, and Mohammed Kudus in similar positions, potentially relegating Yilmaz to a substitute role.
If Lopetegui is seeking a more traditional striker to support Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, alternative targets such as AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham or Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri might be considered more suitable, as suggested by various sports reports. Antonio’s recent injury issues may prompt West Ham to secure additional striking options before the new season begins.
Despite his potential, with a record of 11 goals and 14 assists in 108 appearances for Galatasaray, the proposed £29 million price tag for Yilmaz seems steep, especially given his lack of goal contributions at Euro 2024. However, his dynamic play and versatility could still make him a valuable asset for West Ham’s squad.
