You’d think West Ham have added another creative attacking quality to the squad this summer, but it doesn’t seem like they’re done recruiting just yet.
West Ham are closing in on a deal worth £8million to sign Basel striker Albian Ajeti, and when he’s compared head-to-head to record signing Sebastien Haller, you can argue he’s just as valuable.
According to Sky Sports News, the Hammers are nearing a deal to make the 22-year-old their sixth summer signing ahead of what promises to be a busy final day of the transfer window.
Read West Ham’s verdict
Haller (15) and Ajeti (14) were just one league goal apart last season, but the latter is likely to have cost West Ham £28million more, which makes it seem like the Switzerland international could be one of the bargains of the summer.
Ajeti isn’t an all-out striker like Haller is – his pace and agility have seen him fill in on the right-wing and behind the striker when needed, so the versatility he offers Manuel Pellegrini instantly adds good value for money.
With Andriy Yarmolenko only making nine Premier League appearances last season due to injury, some fans have been crying out for back-up in the wing positions and Ajeti could provide that when necessary.
The Swiss star is 6’0″ in comparison to Haller standing at 6’3″, so while the latter could present more of an aerial threat and someone to perhaps play off, Ajeti could be a true workhorse while using his nimbleness to get into tricky areas.
It’s important to remember Ajeti is three years younger than Haller too, but has still only made 15 less professional appearances, scoring just five less goals and providing 10 less assists.
Granted, the Swiss Super League may not present as big a challenge as the Eredivisie and Bundesliga, but there’s no doubting Ajeti’s creative prowess. It could prove to be a really, really good capture.
