Sebastien Haller: Profile of the Eintracht Frankfurt striker set to join West Ham for £45million and compared

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Sebastien Haller is about to end West Ham’s search for a new striker as he prepares for a medical in London.

The Hammers have been looking for more options to bolster their forward line following the departure of Marko Arnautovic.

Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez was their prime target, but he opted to join Valencia, with the lure of Champions League football too tempting to resist.

But Haller, 25, isn’t too shabby as an alternative having scored 19 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt last season.

He joined the Bundesliga club from Utrecht in 2017 and has previously played for Auxerre.

What clubs has he played for?

Haller signed his first professional contract with Auxerre, agreeing a three-year deal after impressing at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2011.

He made the step up to the first team the following year, spending three seasons with the French side before joining FC Utrecht on loan, eventually signing permanently and impressing with his goal record.

In 2017, Haller moved on to Frankfurt on a four-year deal.

What is his style of play?

Standing at 6ft 3in, with a powerful athletic build, Haller has been likened to Juventus legend David Trezeguet.

While the 25-year-old is certainly capable of finding the target, netting 20 times last season, he can also hold the ball up and bring others into play with his physicality and intelligence, helping him to have a hand in 12 goals.

He’s not just a ‘big man’ though as he loves an acrobatic strike when the time calls for one – prepare for at least one Goal of the Season contender.

Who has shown interest in him?

While West Ham are now in pole position to land the Frenchman, Haller had been interesting Manchester United, who could be prepared to let Romelu Lukaka leave for Inter Milan.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have previously been interested in the player.

International experience?

Haller is yet to make his senior bow for France, but has featured in every age group up to that point.

Born to a French father and Ivorian mother, he played for France at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and quickly ascended through the age groups, going on to win 20 caps and scoring 13 times for the Under-21 side. The last of those caps came in 2016.

What has been said about him?

“I think he’s a super player. He’s a centre-forward who is great at bringing others into play” – European football expert Kevin Hatchard.

“A bulldozer couldn’t knock him over!” – Former Frankfurt and current Bayern coach Niko Kovac.