- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Premier League trio West Ham United, Wolves and Brighton and Hove Albion have all watched Samu Omorodion during an eye-catching breakout season in La Liga for the Atletico Madrid-owned striker.
HITC understands that, with the teams of David Moyes, Gary O’Neil and Roberto de Zerbi all in the market for a goalscorer, the performances of a 19-year-old have caught the eye over in Spain.
Samu Omorodion joined Atletico Madrid last summer, Diego Simeone’s side triggering the £5 million release clause in his Granada contract. The teenager was then farmed out on loan to Deportivo Alaves, and has helped his current employers move seven points clear of the La Liga relegation zone.
With eight goals to his name, Samu has netted twice as many as Alaves’ next top scorer. The Spain Under 21 international has also earned Alaves valuable points against the likes of Villarreal, Celta Vigo and Almeria, while finding the target in both games against Barcelona.
He displayed impressive instincts to flick home a near-post effort in Catalonia before guiding in a soaring header in the return fixture.
West Ham and Wolves eye Atletico Madrid striker
HITC have been told that Atletico Madrid are very happy with Samu’s progress. There may be a place in Simeone’s senior squad for the rangy, 6ft 4ins hitman next term, with Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay not getting any younger.
But, with West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton and Hove Albion interested, Atletico may also have the option of cashing in and making an immediate profit on a player who has not made a single first-team appearance for the capital club.
Atletico sold Diogo Jota to Wolves in similar circumstances back in 2018. Jota, too, departed the Wanda Metropolitano before he had even made his debut.
And if Samu Omorodion can replicate anything close to the success Jota enjoyed at Molineux, he would be an excellent addition to a Wolves side who have found goals easier to come by under O’Neil than they did under Bruno Lage and Nuno Espirito Santo.
“You can see him evolving in the games we’ve followed involving Alaves,” Simeone told Diario AS before Christmas, Samu a devastating combination of searing pace, running power, instinct and awareness.
“He’s a young guy, strong, with a lot of speed in long spaces and very good play in the box with his body. Let’s hope he does well at Alaves because he has a future with Atletico.
“He spent only a few days with us, but he looks humble and hardworking.”
David Moyes’ Hammers looking for La Liga talent
HITC understands that West Ham are also looking closer to home for a potential Michail Antonio replacement. There is interest in Eddie Nketiah, though Arsenal want at least £40 million for the Fulham, Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth target.
The Hammers are keen on another La Liga ace too, in Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda. The former Barcelona youngster will be a free-agent this summer, like West Ham’s own Ben Johnson.