Why Hammers want to nail down ex-Spurs winger Bergwijn

Eighteen months on from leaving Tottenham, Steven Bergwijn is reportedly keen on a return to the Premier League.

The winger has impressed for Ajax in recent months, prompting West Ham to show interest.

We take a look at what he could bring to the Hammers and why they may be so keen on signing him this month. 

Short-term need

Bergwijn would be sure of immediate game time were he to move to the London Stadium.

David Moyes has lost creative hubs Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus to injury and the Africa Cup of Nations respectively.

And there is now concern about the fitness of Jarrod Bowen, who hobbled off at the end of Sunday's FA Cup draw with Bristol City.

Considering Michail Antonio is also out and Said Benrahma is being linked with a move away, the Hammers' need for short-term reinforcements is clear.

Dependable option

Bergwijn looks like a solid option considering his recent record at Ajax.

The Dutch winger has produced 24 goals and nine assists, roughly continuing the record of one goal involvement every two matches that he managed at PSV Eindhoven before joining Spurs.

A tally of 18 goal contributions in 83 appearances in North London suggests he is unlikely to ever take the Premier League by storm.

But he was playing second fiddle to Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son throughout his spell at Tottenham and did produce memorable moments, such as the injury-time brace to beat Leicester in January 2022.

Not for sale

Ajax are not keen on selling their captain — and it is clear to see why.

Having been languishing around the bottom of the Eredivisie table in the opening weeks of the season, Bergwijn's form has inspired them to six wins and two draws from their last eight league matches.

The Dutch international has scored four goals and registered an assist on that run and the club's technical director Kelvin de Lang has made his feelings clear on a potential move.

He said: "He is our captain. You don't want to get rid of him in January."

Warning signs

While Kudus has enjoyed success at the London Stadium this season, the Hammers should remain aware that signing illustrious players from the continent has not always worked out.

Sebastien Haller, Felipe Anderson and Simone Zaza have fallen short in East London in recent years, while Maxwel Cornet and Pablo Fornals appear to currently be on the scrapheap.

Ajax are reportedly keen to at least recoup the £27million they spent to bring the winger back to his home country.

It would be wise for the Hammers to consider whether there is better value elsewhere — notably the Championship where they have had plenty of success in recruiting talent.