Sullivan has simple Yilmaz decision at West Ham as verbal transfer offer submitted
West Ham appear to have just taken a major step forward in their pursuit of Baris Alper Yilmaz this summer.
The forward has been attracting plenty of interest from across Europe this summer, after two hugely productive campaigns for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.
West Ham have previously made an offer of £21m for Yilmaz, but saw their initial advances rejected by the Istanbul giants.
Graham Potter’s side had seemingly cooled their interest in the 25-year-old over the last few weeks, but they now appear to have him in their sights once again.
West Ham lodge verbal offer as Yilmaz race heats up
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk eventually dismissed West Ham’s previous bid for Yilmaz, but it now looks as though he and the club hierarchy may have to resign themselves to the idea of losing their key man this summer.
The Turkish international recently found the back of the net twice in a pre-season friendly against Strasbourg, and his form during their summer preparations has done little to detract from any of the interest which is mounting in him.
West Ham have now reignited their pursuit of the attacker, and are understood to have lodged a verbal transfer offer to Galatasaray, according to Fanatik (29 July).
Aston Villa have also submitted a proposal, while the likes of RB Leipzig and Atalanta are also credited with an interest in Yilmaz.
Galatasaray are adamant that he won’t be allowed to leave for anything less than £25.9million, although they are believed to be trying to use the interest in him to drive the potential price up.
Sullivan must pay the price for Yilmaz
David Sullivan has frustrated West Ham fans at times for the manner in which he conducts their transfer business, but the Hammers chief surely has a simple decision on his hands on this occasion.
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 48 | 14 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | 55 | 7 | 11 |
Yilmaz is a quality player, and that is proven by the level of interest that is being shown in him from across Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues.
It is now clear what the East Londoners will have to pay if they want to bring the forward in, but there is little time for negotiating given the lengthy list of clubs who are queuing up to sign him.
Sullivan must simply front up and table the required cash as quickly as possible if West Ham are to emerge victorious in the race for Yilmaz’s signature.
There now needs to be an increased sense of urgency about their transfer business as the season approaches, and this would be a great way to mark their intent.
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