£40 Million Rated West Ham United Target Ready To Take Pay Cut To Return To England: What Should The Hammers Do? | OneFootball

Last season left many questions unanswered at West Ham United. Finishing in 14th place was not what the fans or the board had hoped for, and the team’s offensive shortcomings were evident. Beyond Jarrod Bowen’s 13 goals, the team lacked consistency in the final third of the pitch.

Key players such as Paquetá, Kudus, and Soucek contributed something in attack, but their possible departure creates another problem. With Michail Antonio out injured and Fullkrug lacking real influence in the team, the club’s eyes seem to be turning back to the transfer market with urgency and a clear intention: to find a reliable striker with character.

Aleksandar Mitrovic Who Is A West Ham United Target, Is Ready To Take Pay Cut To Return To England

According to reports from talkSPORT and Sky News, the name of Aleksandar Mitrovic has emerged as a concrete possibility. West Ham are reportedly interested in the Serbian striker, who made a significant impact in the Premier League with Fulham and Newcastle. Currently at Al-Hilal, Mitrovic could leave this summer for around £40 million. The player would even be willing to take a pay cut to return to England. However, they are not the only club after him: Manchester United and Everton are also closely monitoring the situation. Al-Hilal would not oppose his departure, although they would like to find a replacement before letting him go.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 25: Aleksandar Mitrovic of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring the 4th goal during the AFC Champions League Elite match between Al Hilal and Gwangju at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on April 25, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

West Ham should act decisively. Mitrovic’s profile fits what the club needs: physicality, goals, experience in England and a fighting mentality. In a team that lacks a striker who can create constant danger and pin down defences, his presence would be useful from the very first game.

What Should The Hammers Do?

Beyond the price tag, his willingness to earn less should be seen as a sign of commitment. The Hammers have failed before with improvised signings or signings that lacked collective sense, but the Serbian does not fall into that category. With 68 goals in 79 games in Saudi Arabia, he still has a lot to offer.

However, there is another perspective. Betting so much on a 30-year-old player with a history of physical problems also has its risks. What if West Ham used that budget on a young player with potential and hunger? Although Mitrovic would bring immediate impact, the club need to look to the long term. One option would be to sign the Serbian, but also add a second striker with the opposite profile. West Ham cannot continue to react too late. The market demands anticipation, analysis and strategy. If they do not act well now, next year they could be fighting to avoid relegation again.