West Ham United in transfer talks for Odilon Kossounou amid frustration over Harry Maguire from Manchester United
West Ham are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to sign Odilon Kossounou amid frustrations in trying to buyn Harry Maguire, according to Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist reported via Patreon Tuesday (15 August) that the Bundesliga side want £35million for the Ivorian international, which is “more than what West Ham thought they would have to pay”.
According to Nixon the Hammers are therefore exploring a loan-to-buy deal as they want to pay more like £25m, although Leverkusen are reportedly “keen to cash in” so they can “fend off offers for their other defenders”.
The Hammers had already had a £30m bid for former Manchester United captain Maguire accepted but the deal has now collapsed with the club frustrated by delays.
Moving on
Time is clearly of the essence with little over a fortnight before the transfer deadline so urgency is unavoidable as West Ham look to get a defender in.
Kossounou, 22, has been linked to the club for a year [Patreon, 14 August 2022] and given his age profile and potential to develop might make more sense than Maguire longer term if the club can get a deal done.
The fact that once again there is a gap between the valuations could be a concern though after a summer of going round the houses on transfer targets and haggling over every one.
Whether it proves to be more of a negotiating tactic with a view to sparking the Maguire deal into life will only become clear in the coming days.
But Kossounou is a long-term target that appears to be available if the Irons are willing to put the right money into the pursuit.
Leverkusen’s eagerness to do a deal might make them more flexible on the specific make-up of a bid but if it is cash that they want from the move it would presumably have to be a loan with an obligation attached if a straight sale isn’t on the cards.
In other West Ham news, an exit-linked Hammers starter has committed his future to the club.