West Ham United may already be watching Alieu Njie’s progress at Fiorentina with interest after missing out on the winger during the summer transfer window.
The Hammers submitted an official offer for the 21-year-old while he was still at Torino.
Njie ultimately chose Fiorentina instead, with the Serie A club agreeing a package worth around £17million.
His early performances suggest West Ham were targeting another potentially exciting wide player.
Njie has now made an eye-catching impact in Florence, including an assist during Fiorentina’s Coppa Italia victory over Pisa.
West Ham made official Alieu Njie offer
Njie’s agent Sandro Martone has confirmed West Ham were serious about bringing the Sweden international to London Stadium.
Speaking to Viola News, with the comments relayed by Hammers News, Martone revealed that West Ham presented an official proposal to Torino.
Crystal Palace and RB Salzburg were also interested.
Fiorentina eventually won the race.
Martone explained that Njie actively chose the Italian club despite receiving interest from the Premier League.
That left West Ham looking elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
The Hammers ultimately completed a £10million move for Edvin Austbø from Viking.
Read West Ham covered Austbø’s arrival after weeks of negotiations, and the Norwegian has already produced a goal and an assist in Championship action.
West Ham therefore have little reason to regret their alternative so far.
Njie’s progress remains interesting nevertheless.
Alieu Njie makes early Fiorentina impact
Njie has quickly demonstrated why West Ham were prepared to bid for him.
Former Fiorentina and Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has already described the winger’s impact as “devastating”.
Viviano highlighted Njie’s pace, dribbling and power while even comparing aspects of his game to AC Milan star Rafael Leão.
Those qualities were visible again in Fiorentina’s Coppa Italia victory over Pisa.
Njie came off the bench and drove past several defenders before creating a goal for Wilfried Gnonto.
It was exactly the type of direct attacking action that would have attracted West Ham during the summer.
Njie himself has identified dribbling as one of his biggest strengths.
He has also admitted that improving his decision-making, goal output and assists remain important areas for his development.
At 21, there is plenty of room for that improvement.
West Ham recruitment decision looks fascinating
West Ham’s interest in Njie provides another insight into the profile of winger Nuno Espírito Santo wanted during the summer.
Austbø and Njie share several characteristics.
Both are young, direct and comfortable carrying the ball towards defenders.
West Ham eventually secured Austbø after Fiorentina moved decisively for Njie.
That alternative has started well.
Austbø scored and assisted during West Ham’s 3-0 victory over Derby County before earning his first start against Bolton Wanderers.
His competition for minutes has intensified since then, but his early contribution has already demonstrated his potential.
Njie is beginning to do something similar in Italy.
West Ham therefore appear to have identified two talented young attackers during the same recruitment process.
One is now developing in Florence.
The other is attempting to help Nuno take the Hammers straight back to the Premier League.
How both careers develop from here will make West Ham’s summer decision worth revisiting.
