West Ham preparing to launch opening bid for Galatasaray star | OneFootball

West Ham United are ramping up efforts to bolster their squad with just over a week remaining in the January transfer window.

The Hammers are primarily in the market for a striker but could also strengthen their options in the middle of the park with at least one addition.

The search for a striker is firmly at the top of the club’s to-do list, and several interesting players have been linked with a move to the London Stadium this month.

The latest to pop up on their radar is Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yimlaz.

According to Turkish news outlet Haber Sarikirmizi, the Hammers are preparing to submit a £21 million bid for the versatile winger. The Turkish champions want £25.3m.

Yilmaz was a standout performer for Turkey during the 2024 European Championship in Germany, and Gala are keen to recoup a significant fee if he leaves the club this month.

West Ham are running out of time to bolster their squad

There’s just over a week left in the winter transfer window, and clubs are likely to make knee-jerk decisions as the clock winds down.

Given West Ham’s injury crisis, it doesn’t necessarily apply in this case, as Yilmaz could be a useful addition to the squad.

The Turk has scored 11 times and provided two assists in 29 games across all competitions, but he’s hardly an addition that’ll get West Ham fans off their seats.

West Ham need to sign a prolific striker, and Yilmaz doesn’t tick that box.

He can play in several attacking positions but isn’t the out-and-out centre-forward West Ham require to push up the Premier League table.

The Hammers cannot afford to let the window close without addressing their primary issues at the top end of the pitch, especially with limited funds available.