As per Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via PortugueseSoccer.com), West Ham and 29 other clubs had scouts present during Thursday’s Europa League clash between Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães and Austria’s RB Salzburg.
The Group I game ended in a 1-1 draw to put both sides in 2nd and 3rd place after Olympique Marseille put 1 past Konyaspor in the other group encounter.
The Hammers were most likely keen on a Primeira Liga player, although, it wasn’t clear which of Guimarães’ players they came to watch.
It is however certain that the London Stadium outfit are preparing for the January transfer window and are hoping to unearth some of the continent’s unheralded gems.
The Europa League has got a lot of them in abundance, and they sometimes do end up proving to be good quality despite their affordable fees.
West Ham have brought in the likes of formerly little-known Pedro Obiang, Cheikhou Kouyaté, Arthur Masuaku, and Edimilson Fernandes in recent transfer windows, and they have made fine addition to the squad.
With manager Slaven Bilic keen on leading his side to a top 10 finish this season, it’s expected he does business during the next transfer window, and the club’s scouts are scouring the continent to get the best and affordable options.
West Ham currently sit in 18th position on the EPL log following 3 losses and a win and draw apiece.
