Ismaila Sarr: West Ham told to complete £25m deal after latest – expert
Noel Whelan has backed West Ham to launch a £25million swoop for Watford ace Ismaila Sarr this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old’s “energy, enthusiasm, and industry” will be valued highly by manager David Moyes as he looks to bolster his attacking options.
According to the Sunday Mirror (12 June print edition, page 72), West Ham are lining up a move for Watford winger Sarr after the Hornets’ relegation to the Championship.
The report claims the Hertfordshire side will listen to offers of around £25million for their club-record acquisition.
Sarr, who cost a reported £40million in 2019, is out of contract in June 2024.
The African Cup of Nations winner scored five goals and notched two assists in 22 games during the 2021-22 season.
Whelan insisted the winger “ticks a lot of boxes” for Moyes and West Ham.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s probably the standout player at Watford, isn’t he?
“We’ve seen him linked with the likes of Manchester United in the past. There’s a player in there, and there’s a player who can definitely do a job for West Ham.
“He seems to be that industrious sort of player that Moyes likes, so he ticks a lot of boxes in that regard for a David Moyes side.
“He can cover for Jarrod Bowen as well as playing on the other side. I think Moyes would really value that energy and enthusiasm – and he’ll value that extra height in both boxes as well.”
The 39-cap Senegal international has notched 24 goals and 18 assists during his three-year spell at Watford.
West Ham will play Europa Conference League football during the 2022-23 campaign.
In other news, pundit tells West Ham to pull Jesse Lingard U-turn after talks update.