West Ham forward Sebastien Haller has very much remained on the periphery since the arrival of manager David Moyes. The club’s record signing has only made three starts in the Carabao Cup this season, with Michail Antonio having been preferred up front for league games.
The club are reportedly still interested in Bournemouth’s Joshua King, with the Norwegian international’s contract set to expire in the summer, and some fans are predicting that Haller could depart in January to make way for King’s arrival. Supporters on Twitter are very much split on whether that is a good move:
I’d be gutted, we wont get anywhere near what we paid. Plus he’s a bloody good striker, if we had bowen and benrhama either side of him with him as more of a target man similar to kane he would be brilliant. Also antonio is awesome and I love him but his knees are glass
— Louis candler (@xHappyHammerx) October 20, 2020
I called the same on deadline day but was wrong. Wouldn’t be the worst business.
— Matty Denners (@Denner7s) October 20, 2020
I think king would suit a Moyes team more than Haller. King can also play between midfield and upfront, depending on the system. He would certainly compliment Benrahma.
— From The Anvil (@AnvilFrom) October 20, 2020
I’d like to at least see how Haller and Benrhama might play together. Overall though I don’t think Haller has been a good fit for us.
— Jimwilson (@RvBSFO) October 20, 2020
Isn’t King a bit of a sick note though. Good player but do worry due to our record?
— #GSBOUT (@dkuyper) October 20, 2020
Can only see him leaving on loan, they’d want at least 30m +
— Rob Waldon WHUFC #GSBOUT (@RobWaldon) October 20, 2020
If this happens..??♂️
— AK⚒ (@masalamichail) October 21, 2020
Haller will leave as he is not getting a look in
— Paulinho (@Paulinh22836565) October 21, 2020
Depends on how big a hit they’re prepared to take on him ? Not that big of a one is my guess, just yet anyways ! Can’t see anybody paying the type of money they’ll want in Jan so I think they’ll wait til the summer to at least try and get rid !
— gary jones (@garyjones68) October 21, 2020
Haller is clearly not a good fit for Moyes’ system, and much like with Felipe Anderson, a loan move away for the Frenchman may be the best solution for now. King’s arrival is not guaranteed to happen, though. He could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club if he so wishes in the New Year.
The Cherries may not want him to leave for nothing at the end of the season, and they could encourage him to move to the London Stadium if the Hammers do make a decent bid in January.