ExWHUemployee shares update on West Ham United transfer hunt for defenders
ExWHUemployee has shared a major update on the pursuit of new defenders at West Ham this summer, including new targets for the first time.
The Hammers have accepted a bid from Fulham [Sky Sports] to allow Issa Diop to leave the club after he downed tools in recent weeks to force an exit, leaving themselves a bit short in the middle while they’re still keen to sign a left-back.
Now speaking on his podcast on Patreon [August 8], Ex has provided updates and shared that Eric Bailly and Thilo Kehrer are the most likely arrivals while the club has opted against a move for Dan-Axel Zagadou as well as much more.
“One I’m going to deny is Zagadou,” he said.
“He’s a French defender whose been released by Dortmund. Alan Nixon in The Sun reported that we were interested in him. I said that he’s on our radar but we’re not close to signing him. That is the case.
“He’s someone that we’re aware of and maybe considered for a bit, but due to his injury record he isn’t someone that we are pursuing.
“Eric Bailly of Manchester United, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on this one. He is out of favour at Manchester United and was due to be joining Roma, where Jose Mourinho is the manager. That deal seems to have stalled and we were looking at the possibility of signing him.
“Ironically he liked Max Cornet’s post about joining West Ham. They’re international teammates for the Ivory Coast so it could be a coincidence, but it does seem a bit strange that having linked him with us he’s now liking things to do with West Ham.
“I was told at the weekend that Thilo Kehrer, Bailly and Coady were the three that we were really looking at. If we don’t sign those, or even if we do, we will be looking at left-backs too.
“Charlie Taylor of Burnley, it’s worth watching Burnley because they’ve got Brownhill as well who is another player we could be interested in.
“Luke Thomas of Leicester and Grimaldo of Benfica both are at Wasserman’s agency which is where Warburton has strong links and where we got Flynn Downes from.
“Borna Sosa is one but he’s had Chelsea, although they’ve signed Cucurella, and Man City so I’d be surprised if he came to West Ham. We’ve had interest in Layvin Kurzawa and Abdou Diallo from PSG too. If Kehrer doesn’t happen, there’s a chance we ask about those two and see what happens there.”
Wow
Well anyone accusing West Ham of not being busy this summer is completely out of their mind if this update is anything to go by.
It’s well known that the Hammers want a left-back so those links aren’t surprising, but the exit of Diop means another centre-back is necessary and the club have quickly compiled targets and got the wheels in motion.
If any of the above listed players were to join the club this summer it would certainly be a great signing, with all options offering something that players at the club don’t have or providing quality depth as a bare minimum.
Moyes is intent on improving this squad so he can build towards another European charge this season, and it seems that the board are happy to back him in any which way they can.
It’s all set up to be an exciting final few weeks of the transfer window before a huge season, and the club will be busy undoubtedly.