West Ham United have endured a difficult season in the Premier League this term since moving to the London Stadium and Slaven Bilic faces a huge test this summer to bolster his squad to improve their competitiveness next season.

The Hammers’ forward lines this season have struggled and a top-class forward is needed to be brought in this summer, although many fans are less than impressed with the links suggesting Daniel Sturridge could be joining the club from Liverpool.

27-year-old Sturridge has endured difficulties on Merseyside since Jurgen Klopp took charge, as he’s struggled to maintain fitness and has been criticised by his German boss- which has raised the likelihood of the England international moving on this summer.

With West Ham’s own injury problems in attack, it’s easy to see why many would pass up the opportunity to bring Daniel Sturridge to East London. However, the fact of the matter is Sturridge is likely to be available for a cut-price fee during the upcoming transfer window.

A few years back, Sturridge was widely considered to be one of the best strikers in the Premier League, creating a deadly trio alongside Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez, and his ability still remains at a top-class level. Unfortunately, he hasn’t quite had the luck he needs to maintain fitness.

If West Ham can get Sturridge over his issues then he can become a huge star at the London Stadium and the consensus amongst Liverpool fans that the striker hasn’t been managed properly during his recent injury woes makes things appear a little more rosy for the Hammers.

Sturridge also has a lot to fight for himself, as he seeks to establish himself as one of the best forwards in the league once again and bolster his standing for England selection ahead of the World Cup next summer- which means he’s determined to succeed.

A record of 45 Premier League goals in 85 appearances for Liverpool over the course of the past four years is fantastic and West Ham couldn’t get a better striker for the price that Sturridge would cost. If they were to seek an alternative with similar stats, they’d likely find themselves priced out of a deal.

Signing Sturridge would be a risk due to his injury record but it’s nothing new in football, as even the best player can have their campaign hindered by an untimely injury- just look at Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Manchester United as an example.

West Ham have a hell of a fight ahead of them as they seek to become more of a force in English football and consistently challenge for the European spots, which certainly won’t be easy due to the likes of Everton and Southampton, not to mention the standard big six in the Premier League.

In these situations, risk can bring reward and West Ham should certainly not pass up the opportunity to bring a striker like Daniel Sturridge to the club- especially as he’s hitting the prime years of his career, as long as he maintains fitness.