Barcelona jigsaw eases as West Ham United close in on Denis Zakaria transfer
West Ham United are very close to confirming the signing of Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria as the Italian giants are set to sign their ideal replacement, according to Sport (pg 8).
The Spanish newspaper has reported in its print edition (22 July) that Juventus are set to sign Frank Kessie as a replacement, with the jigsaw set to be solved by the Irons.
Massimiliano Allegri has wanted to bring the midfielder back to Italy, where he was so successful for AC Milan, but due to Juventus’ poor financial situation they need to make space in their squad first and that includes allowing Zakaria to join West Ham.
Zakaria spent the 2022-23 season on loan with London rivals Chelsea, where he was one of many to struggle in what was a difficult season at Stamford Bridge, only starting five games. But his record before his short spell in England is an impressive one, starring for Borussia Mönchengladbach and Switzerland.
The Irons have been linked with any and every midfielder under the sun as they look to reinvest the money earnt through the sale of Declan Rice and according to the Spanish publication, a move to bring Zakaria to the London Stadium is getting closer.
A quality addition
Zakaria may not have found his feet during his temporary spell in England last season, but for West Ham and David Moyes, he has the potential to be exactly what they need to fill the Declan Rice-shaped hole in their midfield, especially when compared to some of the Irons other rumoured targets.
Standing at 5ft 9, the Swiss international has a presence far beyond his height and is of a very similar profile to Rice, with an ability to not only win the ball back from the base of midfield but also carry it and his side up the pitch when in possession.
With Juventus’ financial limitations in considered, there is a possibility that the Hammers can secure Zakaria’s services on either a loan or a cheaper deal, with his contract in Turin running until 2026, they may want his wages off their books, but he might not be as keen to give up on making an impact in Italy.
However, from the Irons’ perspective, this is just yet another reminder of how far the club has come under Moyes’ recent spell, where they are now capable of shopping from the Italian giants as they prepare for a third consecutive foray into Europe.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are closing in a deal to bring a Manchester City youngster to East London