West Ham United move for Attila Szalai not categorically ruled out
Attila Szalai could still move to the Premier League this summer, with West Ham keen to land him, as reported by Sky Germany.
The report from Sky (13 August) suggests that the Hammers have earmarked Thilo Kehrer as their top target. The player doesn’t want to leave, but Paris Saint-Germain are willing to sell him for around £16.9 million.
He has just one-year remaining on his current deal, and the Hammers feel that the amount quoted for him is too much.
Sky reports that the Hammers are also “dealing” with Szalai at the same time, and the move is not categorically ruled out. If they can’t reach an agreement with Kehrer, they could move for the Hungary international.
Don’t mess it up
In an attempt to secure the right deal, it will be ludicrous if the Hammers mess up on both deals.
The club must come to a decision. If Kehrer is the player they want to sign, then they must meet the requirements and get it done.
If they feel Szalai would be a fantastic option as well, there’s no point in dilly-dallying.
Fotomac in Turkey reported on 12 August that the Hammers have backed out of negotiation to sign the player.
David Moyes needs to add bodies in defence after Nayef Aguerd’s injury, and with Issa Diop now sold to Fulham he has been left with only one fully fit player in Kurt Zouma at the back.
Szalai has a contract with Fenerbahce until 2025, and the Turkish club are in no rush to sell him.
Kehrer would have been a really smart signing for the Hammers. He can also play as full-back and could have added versatility to the side.
Szalai, 24, is a powerful defender, but given a choice, Kehrer would still be a better option for the Hammers.
West Ham have made five signings already, and it remains to be seen if Szalai or Kehrer will become the sixth major signing for the club in the coming days.