West Ham Lead Race for Gambian Forward After Talks Begin | OneFootball

West Ham Eye Gambian Gem as Bojang Interest Intensifies

Premier League Race for Bojang Heats Up

Adama Bojang’s name may not yet carry the weight of a marquee signing, but for those who watch talent quietly bloom across Europe, his name is etched in notebooks up and down the Premier League. As West Ham initiate serious talks, the 21-year-old Gambia U20 international finds himself at the centre of a compelling summer transfer narrative, suggest reports from The Mirror.

The young forward, who joined Stade Reims after interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea in 2023, could be on the move once again following Reims’ relegation to Ligue 2. Financial necessity now forces the French side to reluctantly consider offers.

Photo IMAGO

“West Ham, who have been tracking the player for some time, held talks over a move and according to sources, Bojang is expected to be available for a price in the region of £10m to £11m.”

It’s a significant jump from the £3 million that Reims originally paid, especially after Chelsea baulked at bidding beyond £1 million last summer. But a full season in Switzerland, where Bojang notched six goals and two assists for Grasshopper Club Zürich, including a hat-trick in April against FC Luzern, has sharpened his profile.

Standout Talent with Proven Potential

Bojang’s exploits in Switzerland echo a growing maturity. He added a brace against FC Lausanne-Sport in February and now looks primed for a bigger challenge.

“The Gambia U20 international is widely regarded as one of the best African talents of his generation,” noted The Mirror, highlighting past interest from Bundesliga clubs including RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim.

This isn’t simply about numbers, it’s about potential and poise. Clubs value not just what a player has done, but what he could become. With a smart football brain, pace and ability to finish off both feet, Bojang looks tailor-made for English football.

West Ham’s Recruitment Overhaul Underway

It’s not just Bojang on West Ham’s radar. The Hammers are ready to reshape their squad under Graham Potter with Kyle Macaulay leading recruitment. “West Ham are keen to strengthen their forward line and have also looked at 22-year-old Rangers star Hamza Igamane,” while eyes remain fixed on Raphael Onyedika and a replacement for Lukasz Fabianski, with Aaron Ramsdale among those considered.

West Ham will need fresh faces. Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal, Danny Ings and Kurt Zouma will leave as free agents, and the need for firepower is urgent.

Yet, the sale of key players may have to fund any revolution. The club already rejected an informal Chelsea approach for Mohammed Kudus, a deal involving multiple players going the other way. Notably, Kudus’ £85 million release clause only activates between July 1 and July 10.

Rival Clubs Enter the Frame

But West Ham must move quickly. Brentford and Everton have joined the queue. “The Hammers are not the only Premier League club interested,” The Mirror stated. “Everton and Brentford have also made enquiries for the highly-rated attacker.”

With West Ham’s European aspirations in limbo and rivals circling, Bojang could yet choose a different path.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Bojang? Yes please. We’ve waited too long for our club to act swiftly in the market and it feels like this could be a smart move. He’s quick, clinical, and has something about him. You can tell he’s raw but that’s exactly why now’s the time to pounce. £10 to £11 million is not outlandish for a player with this much upside.

It’s also refreshing to hear we’re not just being reactive. Talks have started, other targets like Igamane and Onyedika are in the frame, and we’ve got Potter and Macaulay building something. If Kudus does leave, we can’t afford to be passive. The new season will be brutal without depth.

The worry? That Everton or Brentford offer more game time or guarantees. And knowing our history, we’ve fumbled plenty of good deals before. This one can’t be another. If he joins, Bojang needs minutes, belief and support. He could be the spark we’ve lacked since Antonio peaked.