West Ham United are in advanced talks to sign Lucas Stassin, the 20-year-old Belgian striker currently playing for Saint-Étienne in Ligue 1, according to reports from L’Équipe.
The Hammers are said to be ahead of a host of other suitors including Wolves, Lille, Rennes, Marseille, Sporting CP, and RB Leipzig, who are all tracking the highly-rated forward.
Negotiations are underway with Saint-Étienne regarding a transfer fee, and West Ham are also discussing personal terms directly with the player’s representatives.
A Statistical Standout in Ligue 1
Despite Saint-Étienne’s relegation, Lucas Stassin has delivered an exceptional debut season in the French top flight. The 20-year-old forward has:
- Scored 12 goals in Ligue 1
- Registered 4 assists
- Averaged 0.59 goals per 90 minutes
- Recorded a 30.76% goal conversion rate — the best in Ligue 1 among players with over 2000 minutes
Across approximately 1868 minutes in the 2024/25 season, he has appeared in between 28 to 33 matches, highlighting his consistency and durability.
His expected goals (xG) tally for the campaign sits at around 6.36, showing that he has significantly outperformed his chances — a clear sign of his clinical finishing ability.
In-Depth Player Profile
Standing 183 cm tall, Lucas Stassin is not just a poacher — he’s an all-round attacking threat:
- 18 to 29 shots on goal show his shooting volume
- 276 completed dribbles demonstrate his flair and confidence on the ball
- Top 40 in Ligue 1 for 1vs1 duels and top 38 for offensive power, reflecting his attacking threat
- Heat and shot maps indicate he plays primarily as a central forward, positioned to strike inside the box
- His defensive involvement is ranked outside the top 150 — common for a forward focused on attacking output
One of his standout moments came in April 2025, when he scored a brilliant brace against Olympique Lyonnais in the Rhône-Alpes derby, earning him the man-of-the-match award.
Background: From Anderlecht to West Ham Target
Lucas Frédéric Stassin was born on 29 November 2004 in Braine-le-Comte, Belgium. He began his career at Stade Brainois before joining Anderlecht’s academy at the age of nine.
After signing a professional deal in 2021, he starred for RSCA Futures, scoring 15 goals in 29 appearances during the 2022/23 season.
He made senior appearances for Anderlecht, including a debut against West Ham United in the UEFA Europa Conference League, before moving to Westerlo in 2023 and later Saint-Étienne in 2024 for a club-record fee of €9 million.
Internationally, he has represented Belgium at U15 through to U21 level, scoring 2 goals in 9 games for the U21s.
A Shift in West Ham’s Transfer Strategy?
After finishing 14th in the Premier League with just 43 points last season and a -16 goal difference, West Ham are looking to rebuild under Graham Potter.
Last summer’s £150 million spending spree produced poor returns — most notably £27m Niclas Fullkrug, who managed only 3 goals in 20 appearances.
In recent years, West Ham have invested heavily in older, expensive forwards like Sebastien Haller (£45m) and Gianluca Scamacca (£35.5m).
The move for Stassin represents a clear shift toward youth and long-term potential.
Compared to Julian Alvarez
According to data from FBREF, Stassin shares a similar profile to Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid (formerly Manchester City).
Even Thierry Henry has recently named Alvarez as his favourite striker — making the comparison all the more exciting for fans hoping the Irons can land their man.
Final Thoughts
With Saint-Étienne demanding a high fee for their starlet and multiple clubs chasing his signature, West Ham’s early move could prove to be a statement signing.
Lucas Stassin combines youth, efficiency, and technical flair — all qualities that fit the profile of a modern Premier League striker.
Whether he becomes the next Julian Alvarez or not, one thing is clear: the Hammers are making moves — and this one could be special.
