West Ham United desperately need a striker in the summer transfer window. Some will argue it is the most crucial area the Hammers must reinforce ahead of next season.
Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug struggled with injuries and is reportedly unhappy at East London. He may be on the move.
Meanwhile, West Ham stalwart Michail Antonio suffered a car accident that ruled him out for a chunk of the season, leaving the Irons blunt up top with no physical presence to lead the line.
Captain Jarrod Bowen did his best, but the club is crying out for a natural No. 9 who can deliver the goods consistently. Enter Saint-Etienne striker Lucas Stassin.
According to L’Equipe, West Ham lead the race to sign Stassin, who bagged 12 goals and four assists in 28 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
Stassin has interest from Lille LOSC, Paris FC, Stade Rennais, Marseille, RB Leipzig, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Sporting CP, but the Hammers are ahead of the queue.
The 20-year-old started the season well but burst into life since the turn of the year, recording 12 goals and assists in 2025.
Unfortunately, an injury cut his season short, but he caught the eyes with his showings.
West Ham have been linked with other strikers, like Richard Kone and Karim Konate. It remains unclear which centre-forward the club will sign this summer.
Stassin would be a brilliant punt for West Ham, in our opinion. At just 20, he has a serious upside.
The Belgian youth international netted 12 goals for a struggling Saint-Etienne side in Ligue 1 and missed only two big chances. He is clinical.
His hold-up play is top-notch, offering the physical presence West Ham lacked with Antonio sidelined and Fullkrug misfiring. Bowen worked tirelessly, but he is no out-and-out No. 9.
Stassin’s movement, instinct, and strength could be the difference-maker. With top clubs sniffing around, West Ham should move fast.
He is raw but ready and could grow into a star at the London Stadium under the right system. With his club dropping to Ligue 2, the Hammers could pick him up for a modest sum.
(Stats from Sofascore)