West Ham United are in negotiations with RB Leipzig to secure Portuguese striker Andre Silva on a loan deal that includes an option to buy, as the London club seeks to address their striking crisis.
The 29-year-old Silva, who has found playing time limited at RB Leipzig this season without a single Bundesliga start, could provide much-needed reinforcement for West Ham's depleted forward line. The Portuguese international spent the previous season on loan at Real Sociedad, where he managed four goals in 26 appearances, adding to his extensive experience with clubs including Porto, Milan, Sevilla, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
The move comes at a crucial time for West Ham, who are currently facing a severe striker shortage. Niclas Fullkrug is sidelined with a hamstring injury for several weeks, while captain Jarrod Bowen remains unavailable after suffering a foot fracture in December. The situation was further complicated by Michail Antonio's extended absence following a leg injury sustained in a car accident last month, leaving the team without their Premier League all-time top scorer.
Silva's potential arrival could mark a significant opportunity for both parties. Despite boasting an impressive international record with 19 goals in 53 appearances for Portugal, Silva hasn't featured for his national team since summer 2022. His career at RB Leipzig has been hampered by various factors, including injuries, coaching changes, and tactical misalignment, despite joining the club after a remarkable 2021 season with Eintracht Frankfurt where he netted 28 goals in 32 Bundesliga starts.
The striker's style as a penalty box specialist hasn't quite fitted with Leipzig's preference for dynamic, breaking forwards, leaving him behind the preferred partnership of Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko. However, West Ham head coach Graham Potter has demonstrated success in revitalizing forwards' careers, as evidenced by his work with Danny Welbeck and Neal Maupay during his time at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table, West Ham will resume their campaign with an away fixture at Aston Villa on Sunday. The potential addition of Silva could provide the attacking boost needed to improve their position in the second half of the season.
