Baris Alper Yilmaz learns English as £25m+ West Ham United transfer development emerges
West Ham-linked Baris Alper Yilmaz has been learning English in preparation for a Premier League transfer, according to Ilkhaber Gazetesi.
The Turkish outlet reported [25 July] that the 24-year-old forward, who was spotted in London earlier this month [Ajannspor], reads English books in his spare time with an end goal of reaching the Premier League.
It is understood that the Hammers are interested in adding the winger to their squad this summer, with Galatasaray demanding a “high fee” of over £25million, seeing him as more valuable than Sacha Boey.
Baris Alper Yilmaz aiming for Premier League glory amid West Ham United interest
Reaching the Premier League is the ultimate dream for many footballers, and Yilmaz is clearly no different. Why should he be after starring at Euro 2024 in Germany?
The 24-year-old started all five of Turkey’s matches, and while he was unable to score or assist, many European clubs were impressed by his all-round displays against tough opposition.
His involvement was vital as Vincenzo Montella’s side finished second in Group F, second to Portugal, before beating Austria in the Round of 16 and eventually losing out to the Netherlands in the quarter-final.
Yilmaz’s ability to play anywhere across the front line makes him a very enticing prospect this summer, and if Julen Lopetegui can bring the best out of him, his numbers in front of goal may improve.
He has notched 11 goals and 14 assists in 108 appearances for Galatasaray, which is nowhere near the standards set by Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, but he could be an excellent backup option at the London Stadium.
The forward is clearly very dedicated to the idea of landing in the Premier League at some point, and the Hammers could hand him that dream this summer for just over £25million.
The club may have to act quickly, however, with Aston Villa and Napoli also taking an interest [Aksam].
In other West Ham news, the Hammers bid £30million plus youngster to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
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