Enzo Lee Fee the perfect candidate to kick off West Ham United summer rebuild as transfer news emerge
West Ham United reportedly have FC Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fee on their summer list of transfer targets and the Frenchman could represent the ideal transfer for the Hammers to kick off their squad rebuild.
The French maestro has been a regular feature of Regis Le Bris’ side at the Stade du Moustoir this season, going on to make 28 starts in Ligue 1 whilst also becoming the club’s third overall top-performing player [WhoScored].
The Hammers have been linked with the playmaker before with 90min reporting on 3 November that the East Londoners have sent scouts to watch Le Fee after fine early season form for Ligue 1 side Lorient.
The 23-year-old is set to be out of contract in 2024 and previously admitted that his immediate future lies away from FC Lorient.
Speaking to Le Telegramme, as quoted by 90min, he said: “It’s time for me to leave. I have a special bond with the club and that’s why I wanted to extend my contract at the start of the season. I waited for a contract offer from Lorient until December. It never came. Now, I don’t expect anything from the club and I won’t extend my contract. I hope to leave this summer so that my transfer will bring money to Lorient.”
And according to the German outlet Der Westen [28 March], West Ham United, Leicester and Fulham have all been “alerted” to the fact that Le Fee is on the lookout for his next destination ahead of the 2023/24 term, with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund the favourites to sign him.
However, with the Hammers most certainly set to undergo a huge rebuild this summer, with the likes of Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna, Michail Antonio, Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal all facing uncertain futures at the London Stadium, the club could be well strapped in the bank to totally revamp their rather ageing squad.
And signing a player in the mould of Le Fee could certainly provide the Irons with the opportunity to fully replace some of their key stars, providing the club secure their status in the Premier League next season.
The Irons are looking to add to their central ranks and the Lorient talisman could match the profile of candidate they are searching for, with Le Fee reportedly having a “relatively affordable” price tag of approximately between €25-30m (£22-26m).
The Hammers are set to lose plenty of their key stars, especially Declan Rice which means they could be well short of creativity and midfield invention, and Le Fee fits the bill.
An attacking central midfielder by trade, the gifted French ace is extremely strong going forward having posted ten goal contributions in 29 appearances across all competitions this season, with this prolific form having seen him receive five man-of-the-match awards [WhoScored].
Also, he ranks in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons, possessing the unique capabilities of dribbling past his man from deep and holding a keen eye for goal, also ranking in the 94th percentile for shot-creating actions (FBRef), traits which could swiftly endear him to the Hammers faithful.
Le Fee is also a tremendously versatile operator, meaning he’d be able to fill a variety of positions for the club if he were to make the move to East London. It’s a potential signing which could certainly get the Irons faithful on board in what is set to be a pivotal summer for the club.