Transfer Centre

West Ham United dealt blow in pursuit of 24-year-old Barcelona attacker?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 18 June 2024

West Ham dealt blow in pursuit of Barcelona attacker?

West Ham United are reportedly dealt a blow in their efforts to secure a deal for a Barcelona attacker during the summer transfer window.

West Ham United have reportedly been dealt a blow in their efforts to add to their attacking ranks during the summer transfer window.

With Julen Lopetegui now in charge, the Hammers are making an attempt to significantly strengthen their squad after a poor 2023-24 campaign.

Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme has already arrived from Palmeiras, but Lopetegui is eager to add some experience names to his group.

Recent reports have suggested that the likes of Sunderland winger Jack Clarke and former Tottenham Hotspur wideman Ryan Sessegnon are on their shortlist.

However, it also appears that Lopetegui would like to secure a seal for a Spanish compatriot in the form of Ferran Torres.

Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres on January 31, 2024 © Reuters

West Ham handed Torres blow

According to the Sunday Express, West Ham have identified Torres as their alternative target to Sevilla's Youssef En Nesyri.

That is despite the two players being different types of attacker, the latter providing far more of a physical threat than the former.

Nevertheless, as per Mundo Deportivo, Torres has no intention of accepting any offer from West Ham during the current transfer window.

The report says that the 24-year-old attacker intends to spend at least one more season at Camp Nou despite his mixed time with the Catalan giants.

Torres was limited to 15 starts and 22 substitute outings in La Liga and the Champions League last season, but he wants to try to regain his place under new head coach Hansi Flick.

Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates scoring their second goal on November 29, 2023 © Reuters

How may West Ham react?

Although West Ham have alternatives on their radar, the most logical step would be to try to get a deal with En Nesyri over the line.

Sevilla are allegedly eager to cash in on the Morocco international before the end of June as they bid to avoid any financial penalties, not helped by missing out on European football.

En Nesyri contributed an impressive 16 goals and two assists from his 33 outings in La Liga last season, while he would also represent an imposing threat in the final third.