Ex-Leeds United shot-stopper Paddy Kenny believes that West Ham United and Emmanuel Dennis are perfect for each other.
The West London club were visibly stretched thin as a result of having few options in attack. 32-year-old Jamaican international Michail Antonio was their only striker for the whole season and they had to rely on attacking midfielder Jarrod Bowen to support in attack.
This has made attacking reinforcements a priority for the Hammers in the summer and Watford man Dennis is one of the names on their list, according to reports.
Watford returned to the Premier League after a two-year absence and returned to the Championship immediately following some poor showings. New signing Dennis stood out, however, contributing 16 goals – 10 goals and six assists – to the 34 goals the club scored all season.
Dennis expected to leave Watford
Dennis is sure to leave the club in the summer after only one season as the club look to sell a few key players to help raise funds for their squad rebuild. West Ham and Leeds have been put on alert and are both reportedly plotting a transfer for the 25-year-old.
Kenny, who kept goal for Leeds and the Republic of Ireland believes that Dennis is best suited to West Ham. Speaking to the media on the issue, he said: “To get double figures in the Premier League is impressive.
“To get double figures in a pretty bad Premier League team that got relegated is even more impressive. He knows where the net is and I think he could be the perfect player to fill out the [West Ham] squad.”
Dennis will add depth to West Ham, Kenny says
Kenny also noted how the Hammers suffered from lack of options in the squad which cost them their sixth place finish from the previous season.
West Ham finished in seventh place this season and were only able to make it into the qualifying round for next season's edition of the UEFA European Conference League. Kenny opined that Dennis will give them the options they lacked this season as they prepare for an important season.
“That’s what they need because I think it cost them this season, they had a very thin squad for a team competing in Europe,” Kenny explained. “Obviously they are in Europe again next season so they need a squad. A young lad with goals in him will be very useful.”
Kenny's comments are in tandem with comments made by former Sunderland striker Kevin Philips in May about Dennis being the perfect fit for the top-four chasing West Ham.
“West Ham are in desperate need of a striker this summer,” Philips said. “They can’t rely on Michail Antonio all season again. A striker is a real priority, certainly.
“He [Dennis] could be one of these shrewd signings who can end up getting you 15-20 goals a season. He’s going to be playing in a more creative, better side if he goes to West Ham. All of a sudden, he goes from a £20million player to a £40million player.
“I think it’s a gamble worth taking. He’s shown he can score a variety of goals at this level.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
