West Ham transfer target Gerard Deulofeu admits he would ‘like to take a leap’ amid summer exit claims

West Ham target, Gerard Deulofeu has admitted that he would “like to take a leap” ahead of the impending summer transfer window. 

Deulofeu has been somewhat of a journeyman throughout his career, having stints at clubs such as Watford, Everton and Barcelona. The winger started his career in Barcelona’s academy and went on to make 12 senior appearances for the club.

The 29-year-old then spent two seasons on loan at both Sevilla and Everton respectively. Everton eventually went on to sign Deulofeu on a permanent basis in 2015 for a reported fee of £5.4million.

The attacker was then bought back two years later by Barca for double the fee they sold him for.

Since then, however, Deulofeu has failed to hit the same vein of form that made Barcelona want him back – until this season.

The 2021/22 campaign has been the revival of his career, as in 31 Serie A appearances, the winger has contributed to 16 goals for Udinese.

According to WhoScored, Deulofeu has made on average 2.4 shots and key passes each per game. When compared to Jarrod Bowen, who has been a key player for West Ham throughout the campaign, the numbers are staggeringly close.

Bowen has amassed 2.0 shots per game and 1.0 key passes per game. Adding another player of Bowen’s quality to their ranks would help share the load of attacking outputs the team creates.

This sudden revival, however, has caused rumours to circulate around the player’s future. West Ham have been linked, for example.

Where next for Deulofeu?

The La Masia graduate has had his say on the rumours which surround him.

“At the moment, these are only rumours,” Deulofeu told AS. “I admit that I would like to take a leap but everything has its process and I am very happy at Udinese. I am 28 years old and the best of my career is yet to come.

“Yes (this is the best season of my career) and I know why that is.

“Before I have been very inconsistent, now I am at a point in my life where everything I do has a meaning.”

Deulofeu’s agent, Alberto Botines has also had his say on the matter and has even hinted that a deal with Udinese has already been reached.

“There is a great relationship with the Pozzo family,” Botines said.

“But we all agree that next year for Deulofeu could be the one to make an important leap. There are no possibilities that can be excluded.

“Today, he is the best Deulofeu ever.”

This suggests that both Deulofeu and his agent have already been looking at potential suitors. West Ham have been linked with the winger, amid their shortage of attackers.

How Udinese winger would fit Moyes’ system

The Hammers usually deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with Michail Antonio spear-heading the attack. Due to Deulofeu’s versatility, he would be able to play on either wing or centrally.

The 29-year-old is commonly placed on the wing but he has been used centrally numerous times.

The winger has previously had stints in the Premier League, most notably at Watford where he left the club as a fan-favourite.

Deulofeu’s most memorable moment for Watford, will have been when he scored a hat-trick in their 5-1 win against Cardiff.

The Spanish international would be able to bolster West Ham’s depth and add real quality to their team. His signing would also relieve some of the strain on Jarrod Bowen.

If the club expect to play in Europe next year, they must improve the quality of depth within their ranks.

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