West Ham United’s reported interest in Michy Batshuayi, as claimed by Turkish newspaper Aksam, raises questions about the club’s strategy in the January transfer window. The 31-year-old Belgian striker, currently at Galatasaray, is said to be open to a return to the Premier League after leaving Chelsea in 2021. While the East London outfit is desperate to bolster their attacking options amid injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio, a move for Batshuayi might not be the ideal solution.

Batshuayi has had a turbulent career since leaving Chelsea, where he struggled to secure a regular starting role. His subsequent stints across Europe—most notably in the Turkish Süper Lig—have highlighted his inconsistency. This season, Batshuayi has managed five goals and two assists in just 383 minutes of league action for Galatasaray, an impressive return on paper. However, it’s worth noting that he has made only one league start since joining the club on a free transfer in the summer. These statistics indicate that while he retains some goal-scoring instinct, his limited playing time raises concerns about his fitness and ability to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League.

The biggest issue with pursuing Batshuayi lies in his profile. At 31, he would become the fourth striker in his 30s at West Ham, joining Antonio, Fullkrug, and Danny Ings. This reliance on aging forwards could limit the club’s attacking dynamism and long-term planning. While Batshuayi could provide a temporary fix, he does not align with the club’s need for a younger, more energetic striker who could integrate into Graham Potter’s system and offer sustained contributions in future seasons.

West Ham has already been linked with younger, high-potential targets, such as Marseille’s Elye Wahi, as reported by L’Equipe. A player like Wahi represents the kind of signing that could address both the immediate and long-term needs of the club. The 21-year-old French striker has been making waves in Ligue 1, showcasing not only his goal-scoring prowess but also his ability to contribute to the team’s overall attacking play. Investing in a forward like Wahi could be a smarter move, providing the Hammers with a player who has the potential to grow into a key figure for years to come.

The January transfer window is notoriously challenging, especially for clubs looking to add quality in key positions. However, the desperation to fill gaps caused by injuries must not lead to short-term solutions that could create further problems down the line. While Batshuayi’s Premier League experience and recent form in Turkey might make him seem like an appealing option, his age, inconsistency, and lack of recent top-flight action suggest he is not the right fit for West Ham.

For Graham Potter and his team, this transfer decision carries significant weight. With West Ham competing for European qualification and aiming to solidify their position in the league, the club must prioritize signings that align with a long-term vision. A move for Batshuayi risks being another short-sighted decision, while focusing on younger, emerging talents like Wahi could yield far greater rewards. The Hammers cannot afford to repeat past mistakes and must carefully evaluate their options to ensure they secure the right player to lead their attack both now and in the future.