Young Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho seems to be surplus to requirements in Manchester. The Citizens boss Pep Guardiola has hardly used the Nigerian international and his agent has now stated that the 20-year-old will be moving on.
In fact, the youngster’s agent stated that they are in advanced talks over a move to West Ham, reportedly worth £20million. Iheanacho’s preference is to stay in England and play regularly in the Premier League.
He could prove to be a shrewd signing for West Ham. Already in his short City career, he has proven he can score goals if given the chance. Unfortunately for the striker, he has South American stars Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus blocking his path to regular first-team football.
The youngster’s strike-rate for City is pretty impressive, as the striker has scored 21 goals in 64 appearances, many of those appearances coming off the substitute’s bench. Iheanacho certainly knows where the goal is.
At 20 years of age, the young striker will only improve. However, to make a significant improvement he needs to play football and gain experience at the top level. Sitting on the bench and making occasional substitute appearances will not help his development, even if training with top-class players does.
West Ham have been looking for a striker since last summer and from his cameo appearances for the Citizens, Iheanacho could well be the answer to the London club’s striker problems. A move away to a decent Premier League club could well be the making of Iheanacho as a player. He is unlikely to get the time he needs to fulfil his potential at City.
Iheanacho has undoubted talent and if he has regular first team football at another top-flight English club that talent is more than likely to shine through.
