West Ham plot Ezechiel Banzuzi hijack, £10.7m transfer agreement close
West Ham United are looking to hijack AS Monaco’s bid to sign Ezechiel Banzuzi, according to Voetbal International.
The Dutch football magazine reported via their website on 6 January that Monaco are close to shaking hands with OH Leuven on a £10.7million deal for Banzuzi, who has also agreed to the move.
Monaco, though, are still wary of the Irons, whose interest in the “data monster” midfielder could be scuppered by uncertainty over Julen Lopetegui‘s future.
Julen Lopetegui to cost West Ham in Ezechiel Banzuzi chase
The East London outfit are in the market for a new energetic midfielder and Banzuzi could be that player.
At 19, the central midfielder has already earned four caps with the Netherlands Under-21s, while establishing himself as a regular at Leuven since joining them in 2023.
Banzuzi has bagged one goal and five assists in 19 Jupiler Pro League appearances this season.
In Belgium, the teenager is described as a midfielder with a body built like a “cathedral”. That coupled with his favourable statistical numbers has seen him enter West Ham and Monaco’s transfer wishlists.
The Hammers, though, need to act quickly if they want to acquire Banzuzi’s services as Monaco are on course to wrap up a deal soon.
Another factor that might affect the Premier League club’s pursuit of the Dutchman is the fees involved.
West Ham are said to be prioritising loan deals this month after spending over £100m in the summer [The Times].
Therefore, a temporary move for Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is likely to make more sense for the David Sullivan-owned club.
In other West Ham news, David Sullivan’s role at the London Stadium has changed after recent developments.
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