West Ham set for 3-way transfer battle over £28m Saudi Arabia-based striker | OneFootball

West Ham are seeking a deal for Al-Ittihad attacker George Ilenikhena to bolster their forward line next season

West Ham are looking to bolster their first team squad ahead of the new Championship campaign.

The Hammers are back in the second tier after coming 18th in the Premier League last season, two points adrift of safety.

The London outfit have yet to make any major first team signings since suffering relegation, with Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville both being sold.

Nuno Espirito Santo will want to build a side capable of earning automatic promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

West Ham have until 1 September to complete any remaining transfer business, but time is quickly running out to get deals over the line.

We are now into the final month of the transfer market, and the new season is just a couple of weeks from getting underway.

West Ham chasing George Ilenikhena transfer

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It has been reported by journalist Sacha Tavolieri that West Ham are chasing the signature of George Ilenikhena.

The Hammers have enquired to Al-Ittihad regarding his availability, with it understood that the door is open to a possible loan move, with an option to buy.

The striker made the switch to Saudi Arabia in the January transfer window in a deal worth €33 million (£28.3 million).

The 19-year-old previously played for Monaco before signing for Al-Ittihad, where he has made just two appearances in the Saudi Pro League.

However, West Ham face competition for his signature, with German outfit Schalke and Serie A side Genoa both seeking a deal as well.

During the Nigerian’s time at Monaco, he made 38 appearances in Ligue 1 and contributed five goals and two assists across 2024/25 and 2025/26.

How George Ilenikhena feels about West Ham transfer

And a return to Europe could now be on the cards already, despite making the move to Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

It’s believed that the player is keen on a return to Europe, but that he won’t push for a transfer at this stage.

It’s been claimed that his preparations for the new campaign has led to intense interest in a deal.

While Al-Ittihad are open to a loan deal with an option to buy clause, it remains unclear what kind of fee would be attached to this kind of arrangement.

West Ham will begin the new Championship season on 16 August with a trip to face Burnley at Turf Moor.

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George Ilenikhena move has potential for West Ham despite underwheming goal record

Ilenikhena’s time in Saudi Arabia hasn’t gone according to plan, but there is no doubt that he possesses a lot of potential.

The forward is still only 19, and has experience of playing at the highest level of French football from his time at Monaco.

As a backup option, Ilenikhena could be a very shrewd signing for West Ham in the Championship, if they can get a deal ahead of Schalke or Genoa, even though he's not exactly been prolific so far in his young career.

And the possibility of a loan with an option to buy means that the Hammers can get a closer look at him for a relatively low cost before committing to the prospect of spending big to sign him permanently.