West Ham United to solve free agent puzzle as Fabrizio Romano shares Oumar Solet update
Julen Lopetegui has been in the market for a free agent to add one final centre-back to his West Ham United squad for the 2024/25 campaign.
World Cup winner Mats Hummels rejected a move to the London Stadium, instead putting pen to paper on a deal with AS Roma [Calcio Mercato], with John Egan now signing for Burnley on a free transfer.
Former Liverpool star Joel Matip has also been linked with a move back to the Premier League, though the Hammers have been told to avoid his signature due to an extensive injury history.
Now, Lopetegui finally has the chance to solve his free agent problem as Fabrizio Romano provides an update on Oumar Solet, who was a reported target for the Hammers during the summer [HITC].
The Italian transfer specialist reported via his personal X account [14 September] that the 24-year-old has become a free agent after his contract with RB Salzburg was terminated as part of a mutual agreement.
West Ham United to sign Oumar Solet as free agent?
The centre-back is experienced in Europe, having moved to Salzburg from Lyon and played 106 matches before now being let go by the Austrian side.
There are many reasons why clubs may terminate contracts with players so West Ham must not be put off by this situation, and rather take advantage of it.
Solet has played in both the Champions League and Europa League during his four years with the Austrian giants, which would add plenty of backup to Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
With Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd departing just before the transfer window shut, Lopetegui only has a few senior centre-backs at his disposal, so injuries at any time could be detrimental.
Adding Solet to the squad, especially on a free transfer, would do little to hurt the club’s finances, but they must act quickly as multiple teams were keeping tabs on him during the summer.
In other West Ham news, international media lauded one Hammers star after he “finished off what he started”.
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