West Ham’s Summer Dilemma: Who Will Support Bowen?

West Ham United has struggled in the Premier League this season, scoring only 40 goals in 35 matches. This places them among the lowest-scoring teams, with only four clubs having scored fewer goals, three of which have been relegated. The team’s attacking issues are evident as only one player has reached double figures in goals. Michail Antonio’s injuries and Niclas Füllkrug’s underperformance, with just three goals in the 2024/25 season, have left Jarrod Bowen to shoulder much of the attacking responsibility. Bowen has been a standout performer with 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions. His contributions have been crucial for West Ham, securing points against teams like Southampton, Bournemouth, and Tottenham Hotspur. However, manager Graham Potter is aware of the need for reinforcements to avoid over-reliance on Bowen. With Tomas Soucek being the second top scorer with eight goals, West Ham is exploring transfer options ahead of the summer window. One potential target is Liam Delap, who has a £30 million release clause following his team’s relegation to the Championship. Delap has scored 12 league goals this season but faces competition from clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature. Another option is Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, who has outperformed Delap in several key areas this season. Emegha boasts a higher shot-on-target accuracy and pass completion rate while excelling in aerial duels. His statistics suggest he could be a valuable addition to West Ham’s attack alongside Bowen.