- Callum Wilson is among West Ham United forwards due to leave
- The Hammers are exploring a deal for Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda
- Mayenda scored in the 2024-25 Championship playoff final
It will be a crucial summer for West Ham United’s recruitment team as they attempt to craft the club’s transfer plans that will aim to aid the Hammers’ immediate bounce-back from the Championship to the Premier League.
It is anticipated that the forward line will receive particular focus for West Ham. Although Jarrod Bowen remains the team’s most potent offensive threat and may remain in the second division, the rest of the attack remains uncertain: Callum Wilson and Adama Traoré’s contracts are expiring, while Valentín Castellanos and Crysencio Summerville have attracted interest from other European clubs. It is also unclear where Pablo Feilp and Keiber Lamadrid will feature in Nuno Espírito Santo’s plans.
As the transfer window approaches, several names have begun to surface as potential targets, particularly from within England.
West Ham exploring deal for Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda
According to Football Insider, West Ham’s hunt for offensive reinforcements has led them to Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda, with the Premier League club willing to negotiate a reasonable offer this summer.
Mayenda’s stock has gradually increased since his arrival in England. Following an initial adjustment phase, which included a loan stint with Hibernian, the 21-year-old has emerged as one of Sunderland’s most intriguing young prospects, combining pace, direct running, tidy feet, and a goal-scoring eye to become a crucial member of Régis Le Bris’ side in the 2024-25 promotion-winning campaign via the playoffs, scoring 10 goals, including the equaliser in the post-season final against Sheffield United.
However, the Spanish forward’s progress has been curtailed in Sunderland’s return to the top flight, with only eight league starts and two goals, as Brian Brobbey mainly led the line in Wearside in a season that culminated in Europa League qualification.
It is unclear whether West Ham will formalise their interest, but Sunderland’s stance will most likely be determined by the magnitude of any bid. After securing a top-half finish and strengthening their financial situation, they are under less pressure to sell than in prior summers, and Mayenda – with a contract until 2030 – will understand that more game time may be on offer with European games.
