West Ham United In The Race For 27-year-old Ukrainian Winger: Is He A Potential Replacement For Mohammed Kudus? | OneFootball

West Ham United have begun to make their plans for the next season in the summer transfer window. The club’s sporting director is considering new signings to strengthen the attack. They know that Mohammed Kudus’s future at the club is uncertain. The Ghanaian has attracted interest from other leagues, and the Hammers are not ruling out cashing in.

This opens the door to new profiles. In this situation, Viktor Tsygankov has reappeared on the team’s radar. The Ukrainian winger, despite his discreet campaign with Girona, continues to be in demand in England. Now, Fulham, Bournemouth and West Ham are fighting for him.

West Ham United In The Race For Viktor Tsygankov

According to Spanish media outlet AS, the London club are monitoring the player’s contractual situation. It includes a €30 million release clause, although Girona could let him go for €22 million. The Hammers are not the only ones interested. Fulham has also shown interest and are looking to strengthen their wings. Bournemouth are also in the race for him. Tsygankov only scored two goals and provided five assists in 32 games last season. These numbers do not fully reflect his quality, but have raised doubts. Even so, West Ham believe that his talent can still be exploited if he is in the right system.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 10: Viktor Tsyhankov of Girona FC looks on during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Girona FC at RCDE Stadium on March 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

T4O Opinion:

That said, is it really worth West Ham betting on the 27-year-old as a replacement for Kudus? The Ukrainian has the right attributes: technique on the ball, good dribbling and vision in the final third. His slump last year can be partly explained by Girona’s collective decline after a brilliant previous season. It is not easy to maintain a high level of performance in a team that has lost its consistency.

Despite this, his previous experience in La Liga and his ability to play on both wings make him a useful option. If Kudus leaves, the club need someone who understands the rhythm of the attack from the wings, and Tsygankov might be the one.

As for the price, £22 million for a 27-year-old international player does not seem excessive. In this inflated market, it is a reasonable figure for a player with experience in demanding competitions. For a team like West Ham, that want to climb the table and get into the fight for Europe, investing in players with potential for improvement is key.

Tsygankov can bring offensive variety, something Potter has not always had on the bench since taking over. If he is surrounded well and given freedom, he can return to his best form. It is not a sure bet, but neither is it an absurd risk. At that price, it is worth a try.