Tim Steidten set to sanction transfer of former West Ham United target amid new development
West Ham United heavily focused on bolstering their defensive ranks in the summer transfer window.
Although players such as Max Kilman and Jean Clair-Todibo were brought in, Julen Lopetegui has still only been left with three senior centre-backs to choose from.
While in the short term this isn’t likely to be much of a problem, throughout the season it will eventually come back to bite them.
The Hammers were linked with several different defenders in the summer, with one of them being Jayden Oosterwolde [Sabah, 28 June].
The 23-year-old currently plies his trade for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce and, although a move never came to fruition in the summer, it seems as if Lopetegui has reignited his interest in him.
That is according to Turkish outlet Fanatik (10 October), who claim the Dutchman is “at the top” of the Hammers’ transfer list for January.
Jayden Oosterwolde would be a smart transfer for West Ham United
The defender can play as both a centre-back and a left-back, which would give West Ham multiple options for cover.
Emerson is Lopetegui’s first-choice left-back and while Aaron Cresswell has been a stellar back-up, his game time over the last couple of seasons has slowly dwindled.
The Englishman is getting into the latter stages of his career so it isn’t a surprise to see the club scouring the market for his replacement.
The defender extended his London Stadium stay at the start of the season and has even appeared four times for Lopetgui’s men in the 2024/25 season [Roshane Thomas, 21 May].
Oosterwolde is a younger version of Cresswell and would be able to fulfil the role required by West Ham magnificently.
He would offer additional cover in both positions and would likely relieve some stress from Lopetegui in terms of what he can do if injuries start to hit.
This is all rumours for now, of course, but it’s good to know that West Ham are already exploring the market for ways to improve their Premier League standing.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are readying a bid to sign Alexander Sorloth in January.
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