Brighton join West Ham in race for bargain striker outscoring Mbappe

Mohamed.Bayo_.Clermont.2021.TEAMtalk21

A report claims West Ham United are still keen on Mohamed Bayo but may face competition from Brighton for the prolific Clermont striker.

The Hammers were first mentioned as possible suitors in August after the 23-year-old’s stellar season in France. The Guinea international scored 22 goals from 38 Ligue 2 outings to help his side gain promotion. Les Lanciers finished second in the table and have made a solid start to life in the French top flight.

Pascal Gastien’s side sit 15th after nine games with 10 points to their name courtesy of two wins and four draws. And Bayo has made a seamless transition to Ligue 1, with five goals from eight league outings.

He clearly has an eye for goal and it is no surprise that West Ham are keen. It was reported over the summer that the East End club had made contact with Clermont over a possible deal.

However the trail then went cold and David Moyes failed to bring in a new hitman. Michail Antonio continues to shine up front and it remains to be seen if Moyes acts in January.

David Moyes on the sidelines during West Ham vs Crystal Palace, August 2021

The London Stadium outfit are ninth in the standings but have not wanted for goals. They have already scored 14 in the league and that may mean Moyes waits until next summer to get his man.

Brighton have eyes on Bayo

Bayo is said to be valued at around £10m and so that would not be an issue. However, if he continues to find the net with regularity, Clermont may well be looking for a larger sum in 2022.

Other clubs are sure to enter the picture and The Sun are reporting that Brighton are already on the case. The Seagulls have reportedly sent scouts to watch him in action and been impressed by what they have seen.


Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


It is said that fellow Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux have already submitted a bid for the forward. Bayo will have an opportunity to further enhance his reputation when he plays in January’s Africa Cup of Nations.

He has made three appearances for the West African nation to date, scoring twice. The youngster bagged against Sudan last Wednesday and was again on the score sheet against the same opposition on Saturday.

Graham Potter during the game between Brighton and Arsenal

It seems inevitable that he will leave Clermont at the end of the campaign. And West Ham might have to act in the winter if they are to steal a march on their rivals.

READ MORE: West Ham plot lifeline for familiar attacker after consecutive transfer flops