Julen Lopetegui can complete West Ham United rebuild with Caio Henrique transfer
West Ham could be transformed by an all-new backline next season if they complete a transfer for Monaco left-back Caio Henrique.
Brazilian outlet UOL reported on 5 August that the Hammers and Nottingham Forest are both interested in the 27-year-old Brazilian, though both clubs are yet to submit an offer for Henrique so far this summer.
While Henrique is reportedly happy to stay at Monaco, where he is under contract until 2027, but as Irons head coach Julen Lopetegui looks to overhaul his defensive options, a new left-back is a must.
Lopetegui currently has Emerson, Aaron Cresswell and youngster Oliver Scarles on the books at the London Stadium, and has already made some huge transfer strides to fix last season’s leaky defence.
Julen Lopetegui to make squad statement with West Ham transfers
Lopetegui has not been shy to make big changes to the existing Hammers squad upon his appointment at the London Stadium, and left-back could prove to be the next area he targets in the transfer window.
The Spaniard had reportedly identified six positions in which the Irons needed to strengthen this summer [Evening Standard, 8 May], and most of those have already been covered off.
A new striker, defensive midfielder, centre-back and two wingers have all been brought through the doors, with Lopetegui now turning his attention to the flanks of his defence.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has emerged as the Irons’ number one target at right-back, and with a deal for the 26-year-old reportedly close [Dharmesh Sheth, 5 August], the left side of the back four should be the next cab off the rank.
Luton’s Alfie Doughty was linked towards the end of last season [GiveMeSport, 19 May], but that interest has seemingly cooled despite the Hatters’ relegation making him available at a lower price.
Signing Henrique, as well as another new centre-back, would allow Lopetegui to field an all-new backline next season, and after shipping 74 goals in the last campaign, that could be exactly what the Irons need.
In other West Ham news, the Irons remain interested in a Ligue 1 striker who is edging closer to a brand new transfer.
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