Iheanacho a ‘No Brainer’ for West Ham – McAvennie

Former West Ham United and Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has urged his former club to sign Kelechi Iheanacho, who recently ended his contract with Leicester City. Iheanacho, a 27 year old Super Eagles forward, has been linked with Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and West Ham United.

Iheanacho is well acquainted with the English Premier League, having won the league with Manchester City and the EFL Championship, FA Cup, and Community Shield with Leicester City. McAvennie praised Iheanacho, emphasizing that signing him on a free transfer would be a straightforward decision.

I like Iheanacho. I think he’s a great player. Oh my god, on a free transfer, I’d take him. It’s a no brainer for me, though I’m not sure who this new manager will want, the 64 year old said in an interview with West Ham Zone.

During his time at Leicester City, Iheanacho made 232 appearances, scored 61 goals, and provided 34 assists.

Editorial

Frank McAvennie’s endorsement of Kelechi Iheanacho as a potential signing for West Ham United brings to light the strategic considerations clubs must weigh during the transfer season. Iheanacho’s proven track record in the Premier League, combined with his availability on a free transfer, makes him an attractive option for any club looking to strengthen their attacking lineup.

Iheanacho’s versatility and experience are significant assets. His tenure at Manchester City and Leicester City has equipped him with a winning mentality and a knack for performing in high pressure situations. These qualities are invaluable for a team like West Ham, which aims to improve its standing in the league and potentially compete for European spots.

Iheanacho’s ability to both score and assist demonstrates his well rounded skill set. His 61 goals and 34 assists for Leicester City highlight his capability to contribute effectively in multiple roles within the attack. This versatility can provide tactical flexibility for West Ham, allowing them to adapt to various opponents and match scenarios.

However, the decision to sign Iheanacho should also consider the strategic vision of West Ham’s new manager. Integrating a player of Iheanacho’s calibre requires a coherent plan that aligns with the team’s broader objectives. Ensuring that Iheanacho’s style of play complements the existing squad is crucial for maximizing his impact.

From a financial perspective, acquiring Iheanacho on a free transfer represents a prudent move. It allows the club to allocate funds to other areas needing reinforcement while securing a player with substantial Premier League experience. This balance of cost-effectiveness and quality makes Iheanacho a compelling option for West Ham.

As the transfer window progresses, West Ham’s decision makers must evaluate Iheanacho’s potential contribution to their campaign. His proven track record, combined with the strategic advantages he offers, could make him a key player in their quest for success in the upcoming season.

Did You Know?

1. Kelechi Iheanacho was part of the Manchester City squad that won the Premier League in the 2015-2016 season.
2. He scored the fastest goal by a substitute in the Premier League for Manchester City, just 9 seconds after coming on.
3. Iheanacho was named the Premier League Player of the Month in March 2021 after scoring five goals in three games for Leicester City.
4. He has represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
5. Iheanacho started his career at the Taye Academy in Owerri, Nigeria, before being scouted and signed by Manchester City in 2014.