West Ham make contact to sign ex-Monaco striker, club might let him join on loan
West Ham need more attacking depth before beginning their attempt to win immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
Nuno Espírito Santo has remained in charge despite last season’s relegation, but the squad he takes into the Championship will look significantly different.
Crysencio Summerville has joined Al-Hilal in a deal reportedly worth up to £60 million, while Callum Wilson departed following the expiry of his contract.
Adama Traoré and Mateus Fernandes have also left, removing further pace and creativity from West Ham’s attack and midfield.
Luckily for the Irons, Jarrod Bowen has committed his future to the club and signed a new contract without an extension.
Keeping their captain was essential, but West Ham cannot expect Bowen to carry the attacking burden throughout a demanding 46-match Championship season.
Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe remain available after arriving in January, giving Nuno two recognised central strikers. However, another young forward would increase competition and provide cover across a long campaign.
George Ilenikhena has emerged as an interesting possibility.
The 19-year-old was born in Lagos but moved to France as a young child and began his professional career with Amiens. He scored twice in 16 Ligue 2 appearances before Royal Antwerp paid a reported £5 million to sign him in 2023.
Ilenikhena bagged 14 goals across 50 appearances during his only season in Belgium, despite starting fewer than half of those games.
His most memorable moment came against Barcelona in the Champions League.
The striker came off the bench and scored a stoppage-time winner as Antwerp recorded their first victory in the competition.
Monaco then brought him back to France in 2024.
Ilenikhena again scored a decisive Champions League goal against Barcelona, becoming Monaco’s youngest scorer in the competition.
His opportunities were often restricted by competition from more established forwards, but he still completed his Monaco spell with 10 goals and two assists from 51 appearances.
Al-Ittihad signed Ilenikhena in February for a reported £28 million following Karim Benzema’s departure.
West Ham make approach to sign George Ilenikhena from Al-Ittihad
Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri now claims West Ham, Schalke and Genoa have all enquired about Ilenikhena.
The forward reportedly wants to return to Europe but will not rush into choosing his next club.
Al-Ittihad could allow him to depart on loan, potentially with an option to buy included in the agreement.
For West Ham, that structure would limit the initial financial risk attached to a player purchased for £28m only six months ago.
It would also allow Ilenikhena to rebuild momentum in Europe while helping Nuno add youth, speed and greater competition to his attack.
Ilenikhena made only one Saudi Pro League appearance before the end of the season, playing 88 minutes without scoring.
His performances during the current preparation period have nevertheless brought him back to the attention of European clubs.
He scored during Al-Ittihad’s 3-2 friendly victory over Orlando Pirates and struck again from outside the penalty area in Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Malaga.
He remains raw and has not yet completed a season as the undisputed starting striker for a senior club.
However, his speed and ability to score from limited opportunities could suit a West Ham side likely to face opponents defending deep this season.
