Report: West Ham United eyeing move to sign Brazilian forward | OneFootball

West Ham weigh Liga Portugal opportunity in striker search

West Ham United, deep in preparation for what promises to be a decisive January window, are intensifying their focus on forward reinforcements. TeamTalk report that Rio Ave’s prolific front man Clayton has been scouted extensively, with club officials monitoring whether the 26 year old’s output can be translated into a Premier League rescue mission.

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West Ham’s concern over attacking output

With 17 goals in 15 league matches, the core issue confronting West Ham is painfully clear. Their precarious position in 18th place, two points from safety, reflects a lack of efficiency in the final third. While recent glimpses of form from Callum Wilson have been welcome, the broader trend remains troubling. As one source close to the club told TeamTalk, “his form has continued this term with 10 goals in 13 games, and he is currently the joint top scorer in Portugal, attracting the interest of multiple sides”.

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Clayton’s consistency across two seasons is the initial lure. Eighteen goals last year persuaded Rio Ave to convert his loan into a permanent signing despite interest from Benfica and Nottingham Forest. His continuation at the top of Liga Portugal’s scoring charts has only intensified the attention.

Striker assessment within broader January planning

Nuno Espirito Santo has placed forward recruitment high on his agenda, reflecting both the team’s league position and the structural imbalance within the squad. TeamTalk cite transfer insider Dean Jones, who states that Niclas Fullkrug could depart after a difficult spell in London. “He has had problems with both injuries and scoring, with just three goals in 29 appearances”, a reminder of why West Ham are exploring alternatives.

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Fullkrug is open to a Bundesliga return and Hamburg and Stuttgart have made enquiries, but an exit will only be sanctioned once a replacement is secured. That is where Clayton enters the conversation, positioned as a potential value signing with upside but also with the customary risk attached to importing form from another league.

Monitoring market options

Clayton’s profile appeals because he is viewed as a realistic mid window addition rather than an inflated target. West Ham’s recruitment team are weighing data, opposition quality, underlying metrics and adaptability as they refine their shortlist. As one club analyst observed, “West Ham scouts are now assessing Clayton’s form and whether he could emerge as a potential bargain option heading into the New Year”.

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More names will enter discussions, but Clayton currently occupies a prominent position among feasible candidates. Whether that converts to an official move will depend on budget, outgoing business and Nuno’s confidence in Clayton’s suitability.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

The idea of moving for Clayton is both intriguing and unsettling for Hammer fans. On one hand, the squad clearly need a focal point with sharper instincts and better movement in the box. The numbers simply cannot be ignored. A player who scored 18 last season and is already on 10 from 13 this campaign brings the sort of confidence that this team have lacked. Supporters have watched chances go wasted for too long and the idea of someone thriving in Portugal suggests untapped potential.

There is, however, understandable hesitation. Fans have seen talented forwards struggle when transitioning to the pace and physicality of English football. The failure of Fullkrug, despite his pedigree and strong reputation, reinforces concerns. Many West Ham followers believe any signing must be ready to contribute immediately, not six months down the line.

Supporters also want assurances that Nuno has a clear plan for how Clayton would fit. Too often, attackers have arrived without a defined role and their form has suffered. If Clayton is to be the talisman, he needs service, structure and consistency around him. Even so, there is cautious optimism. A goalscorer of his calibre, at a price that aligns with the club’s financial reality, feels like the type of calculated risk West Ham have to take.

In the end, most fans would welcome the move, provided it is part of a coherent strategy rather than a reaction to league position. Clayton may not be a guaranteed solution, but he represents hope, and for a fanbase enduring another anxious season, that matters.