Rasmus Højlund’s potential move to West Ham has become a topic of interest following recent reports linking the Danish forward with a transfer to the London Stadium, should the Hammers fail to secure Evan Ferguson on a permanent deal. According to TEAMtalk, West Ham is already planning for the summer transfer window, with the possibility of targeting Højlund as an alternative if their hopes of making Ferguson’s current loan from Brighton permanent fall through. This strategic approach shows that West Ham is keen on reinforcing their attacking options and building a squad for the future, and Højlund could be an ideal fit for the club.

Højlund, who is currently at Manchester United, has had a somewhat difficult start to life at Old Trafford, with just two goals in 19 appearances so far this season. However, it is important to remember that he is still only 22 years old, and much of his potential remains untapped. His early struggles are not uncommon for young players transitioning to one of the world’s biggest clubs, where the pressure to perform is immense. Despite these challenges, Højlund’s raw talent is clear, and he still has the potential to develop into a formidable forward under the right guidance. That’s where Graham Potter, the new West Ham manager, could come in. Potter has a well-established reputation for working with young players and helping them reach their full potential. His previous success with young talents at Brighton, including the development of players like Leandro Trossard and Kaoru Mitoma, suggests that he could bring out the best in Højlund as well.

If West Ham does not manage to secure Ferguson permanently from Brighton, who has already shown promise during his time on loan, Højlund could be a more than adequate replacement. Potter’s interest in Ferguson is well-documented, and securing him for the long term would certainly be a priority for the manager. However, should that deal not materialize, Højlund would offer a different, but still highly promising, attacking option. His physical attributes, including his strength, speed, and aerial ability, would bring a different dimension to West Ham’s attack. His style of play, which combines directness with the ability to stretch defenses, would fit well within West Ham’s approach under Potter.

A £40 million bid for Højlund could be enough to convince Manchester United to part with the forward, especially considering that United may be willing to offload him to balance their books or free up space for other incoming transfers. The fact that Højlund has only managed a modest return of two goals in 19 appearances this season could make United more inclined to let him go, particularly if they feel he is not part of their long-term plans.

For West Ham, this potential signing would represent a long-term investment in a young, dynamic forward with the potential to become a key player for years to come. Even though his Manchester United stint has not yet lived up to expectations, it is important to consider the broader picture of his development. At 22, Højlund still has plenty of time to refine his skills and adjust to the Premier League’s demands. If he were to join West Ham, the club would be betting on his ability to flourish under Potter’s guidance, a manager known for his work with young players.

It’s also worth noting that Højlund has the potential to complement West Ham’s current attacking options, and his ability to play in multiple forward positions would add depth to their squad. His potential to strike up a solid partnership with the likes of Jarrod Bowen or Michail Antonio could make West Ham’s attack more unpredictable and dangerous. Furthermore, his previous experiences in European competitions, including his time in the Serie A with Atalanta, mean that he brings with him valuable experience in high-pressure matches, which could be invaluable for a club like West Ham, who may have ambitions of competing in European competitions in the future.

With plenty of football still to be played this season, these decisions may seem premature, but it’s clear that Graham Potter is already planning for the future. West Ham’s ability to identify and act on transfer opportunities is crucial if they want to remain competitive in the Premier League. Whether they manage to secure Ferguson or turn to Højlund, the fact that they are being proactive in their approach is a sign of a club that is focused on long-term success. The upcoming summer transfer window could be a pivotal moment for West Ham, and securing a forward like Højlund could help lay the foundation for a new era under Potter’s leadership.