Roshane Thomas: West Ham could re-ignite interest in Marseille defender Duge Caleta-Car
West Ham are set to re-enter the race for Marseille defender Duge Caleta-Car, according to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas.
The Croatian international had been considered by Liverpool and their manager Jurgen Klopp as a potential partner to defensive lynchpin Virgil Van Dijk, but the 2019/20 Premier League champions instead elected to move for RB Leipzig central defender Ibrahima Konate. [James Pearce, The Athletic]
That has opened the door for West Ham who have previously kept tabs on the 24-year-old, as per a report by Irons insider Claret & Hugh.
With David Moyes’ side set to play in the Europa League next season after finishing sixth in the Premier League, coupled with Liverpool dropping their enquiries, the Irons could be set to make another move for Caleta-Car.
Thomas wrote on The Athletic website on Saturday, May 29: “Now that West Ham have European football, they may reignite their interest in Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.”
The former Red Bull Salzburg player has earned rave reviews since leaving the Austrian club in 2018, with popular scouting website IBWM calling him a “sensational talent” later that year.
Youth and experience
Caleta-Car has the perfect blend of qualities that could make him a big hit at the London Stadium.
He’s only 24-years-old, but he has accrued a wealth of experience in one of Europe’s top five leagues, as well as featuring in the Champions League.
At Marseille he has had to become accustomed to the demands of one of France’s top clubs whose fans are among the most fiery and passionate in the country, and possibly in Europe.
West Ham may not have the trophy-laden history of Marseille, but expectations are big here and they’re steadily rising after a phenomenal campaign under Moyes.
Europa League football next season will bring a unique set of challenges to this squad, so it is important we do not stand still and admire our work, but go out and add further quality so we can progress even further.
With Fabian Balbuena set to depart upon the expiration of his contract this summer, coupled with Issa Diop’s shaky form, we need to sign another central defender.
That requirement is further laid bare when considering the ages of first-choice pair Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson, who are 33 and 31, respectively.
Caleta-Car seems to be rated by Klopp and would come with high pedigree, so this could be an exciting signing if we can pull it off.
In other West Ham news, Irons are set to table a £10million bid for this Champions League ace.
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