West Ham United target ambitious move to sign £525k-a-week striker | OneFootball

West Ham United have reportedly explored a surprise loan move for Ivan Toney, with the Hammers weighing up a short-term deal to inject goals into their attack.

According to Football Insider, the London club are monitoring whether a temporary arrangement could be prised from Al Ahli as they look to add more firepower to their attack this season which is currently struggling.

Toney’s profile makes obvious sense for West Ham. The English striker has experience in the Premier League, he is known for his goal scoring ability and his physical presence in the box as well as his movement is something that is highly valued.

Ivan Toney has proved himself in the Premier League

Toney has shown his quality for Brentford in the Premier League and that is why some of the biggest clubs in England were interested in signing him before he decided to move to the Middle East.

Former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider:

“Ivan Toney is definitely on West Ham’s radar. We know they’re going to need a striker because the ones they’ve got aren’t good enough. I think he would be a good fit in their team, because he’s strong and physical and always scored goals, and that would suit him as well if he could play like that.

When you look at what strikers are available, there aren’t many available out there, and certainly not many with the record Toney has got. If he’s going to be available on loan, it’s certainly something they’ll be looking at because it seems they might not have too much money to spend on permanent moves.”

West Ham lack a prolific presence in attack

Ivan Toney with Al Ahli (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

West Ham United currently have Niclas Fullkrug as their main striker, even though Jarrod Bowen is also used in that position but he is not a natural number nine.

A striker who can occupy centre-halves, provide a target for early crosses, and still combine in tight spaces would give the Hammers a more varied attacking option, something that is currently missing and that is what manager Nuno Espirito Santo is looking for in the market.

The Hammers are currently 19th in the Premier League and they will be looking at the January transfer window as a crucial opportunity to strengthen their squad to turnaround their season in 2026.