Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes David Moyes could be forced to perform a Tammy Abraham U-turn should West Ham finish inside the top four.
As speculation circulated claiming the club could pursue out of favour Abraham this summer, Moyes all but ruled the Hammers out of a £40million move for the Chelsea man.
But with the top four race still very much alive following a 2-1 victory over Burnley on Monday night, Whelan told Football Insider that the financial windfall from Champions League football could change things.
They’ll get a good balance for finishing in that position in the Premier League. But West Ham may need to spend that money in other places. They might be looking at bringing in two players for £40million, rather than one. There’s no doubt he’s worth it. He’s a great age, a great goalscorer. It’s very surprising that he hasn’t been playing under Tuchel. Chelsea’s loss could be someone else’s gain for sure. Let’s not rule it out, there are other ways to pay big fees for a player that doesn’t have to be a lump sum.
Despite falling badly down the pecking order in west London under Thomas Tuchel, Abraham remains the top goalscorer at Stamford Bridge this season with 12 strikes in 32 appearances.
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Signing Abraham would surely have to be regarded as a major coup this summer as Moyes goes in desperate search of a striker.
Proven in the Premier League and still just 23 years old, the six-cap England man represents a huge opportunity.
Both the prize money from finishing inside the top four and the funds to follow from elite European football would likely alter the West Ham summer budget, albeit perhaps not to the tune of £40million.
