Oumar Solet transfer update at West Ham United after contract termination twist
West Ham United are “unlikely” to move for Oumar Solet after his contract termination with RB Salzburg, according to ExWHUemployee.
The Hammers were believed to have opened talks with Salzburg for the Frenchman in the summer [HITC] but opted to move for fellow countryman Jean-Clair Todibo.
Julen Lopetegui has been eager to dip into the free agent market to further bolster his defensive options with only three senior centre-backs at the club.
Now, with Solet out of contract, ExWHUEmployee has provided a fresh update on the reports via The West Ham Way on 14 September.
He said: “We were heavily interested in his signing in the summer and he was a backup option if Todibo didn’t sign.
“As soon as we saw the news we put the question to our top transfer source as to whether we would make a move for him as a backup option.
“The source immediately came back with ‘We are totally spent out of our wages cap to confirm with FFP rules.’
“This pretty much confirms that West Ham are unlikely to move for any player this window although we will of course keep you updated if anything changes.”
West Ham will not sign Oumar Solet
On paper, this is the perfect deal for West Ham but it seems after a summer of frivolous spending to bolster the squad, there is no money left in the coffers for further additions.
It is a shame because Lopetegui feels that his side is weak at centre-back and after another target, Mats Hummels opted for a move to Serie A with AS Roma [Calcio Mercato], the next best option would have been Solet.
A move for Joel Matip has also been touted in recent weeks but the 33-year-old has an extensive injury history and a move to East London would make no sense for the Hammers despite his wealth of Premier League experience from his time at Liverpool.
Unfortunately for West Ham, the money can only stretch so far and, given the current situation, it begs the question of whether a late move to sign Carlos Soler was a wise choice with several options that can operate in the centre of the pitch.
With Champions League and Europa League experience under his belt, Solet could have been a valuable option in the defence and at 24, has all the skills and time to develop into a top-level centre-back in the Premier League.
It seems Tim Steidten has missed a trick with Solet, as it appears likely he is going to slip out of their hands.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui stuns with his Lucas Paqueta call as the Hammers XI v Fulham is confirmed.
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