Carlton Cole: Raheem Sterling And Max Kilman Would Be Great Signings For West Ham
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole shared his thoughts exclusively with Gambling.com regarding the club’s transfer plans this summer.
Julen Lopetegui has started work at the London Stadium following his appointment as David Moyes’ replacement at the end of last season.
West Ham’s recruitment is being led by the sporting director Tim Steidten, who reportedly clashed with Moyes throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
Speaking to The Panel host Alan McInally, Cole gave his views on exactly what West Ham need to get back in the hunt for European football.
The best betting sites price the Hammers at 16/1 to finish in the top four next term.
West Ham On The Money With Sterling Pursuit
“We definitely need more legs in the team,” Cole said. “I would like a Callum Wilson-type of player who could help out as we definitely need another striker.
“Raheem Sterling has been linked as well and I’m a fan of his. I think Raheem on that left-hand side cutting in would be a good acquisition for us and that just shows you what Lopetegui is trying to do if that is the standard of player we’re getting linked with now.
“However, we need to get the right players with the right attitude which is really important.”
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Max Factor Would Be A Hit With Hammers
West Ham have also been regularly linked with a swoop for Wolves centre-back Max Kilman.
The east Londoners have already had two bids rejected for the defender and a third offer is said to be imminent - much to Cole’s delight.
He said: “Kilman is a player. I’ve seen him and thought 'this guy is a player'.
“I think that’s the type of player that West Ham will go for. They aren’t going to be picky right now with no European football, and I think Kilman has got experience in the Premier League and he will be a good addition to the squad.
“There are inevitably going to be some departures as well, so we need to recruit in the right way - that means getting in the right players at the right price, so that will need to be the case with Kilman.”
Johnson Departure A Jolt
One man who will be leaving West Ham is defender Ben Johnson, who is set to join Ipswich.
And Cole believes that the 24-year-old full-back has the qualities needed to be a success at Portman Road.
“Ben Johnson is from the youth team, a great academy product but he probably feels that he’s not been valued fairly,” he said. “If a player starts to feel like that, it's a bit of a dead-end relationship.
“I think at the same time, when you look at what he’s achieved and the fact he can play in different positions - like in midfield as we found out last season - it just shows he is a very handy player. I think Ipswich have got themselves a great signing there.
“He’s a great player who can play on the right, can play in central midfield, and he can go forward as well. He is an England Under-21 international so he’s progressed really well and I just feel a bit hurt that he’s about to depart the club because he’s a great lad."
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