West Ham United eye summer transfer for Jack Hendry, face Premier League competition
West Ham United want to sign Scotland defender Jack Hendry from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq this summer, according to HITC.
HITC reported on 2 July that the Scotland international, 29, is wanted by both the Hammers and fellow Premier League sides Fulham and Leicester City after just one season in Saudi Arabia.
The centre-back also has suitors within the Saudi Pro League, namely Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, having returned home early from Euro 2024 after Scotland were eliminated in the group stage.
Hendry was the only foreign player to not miss a minute in last season’s Pro League, and with the Irons seeking defensive reinforcements, they’ll have to move quickly to sign the former Club Brugge man.
Jack Hendry signing would be a big risk for West Ham United
While the Hammers are actively on the hunt for centre-backs this summer – one of six positions in need of strengthening identified by new head coach Julen Lopetegui – pursuing this transfer could backfire [The Sun, 23 May].
Hendry’s Scotland side certainly didn’t cover themselves in glory at Euro 2024 for starters, conceding seven goals and winning just one point to finish rock-bottom of Group A as the tournament’s worst side.
Furthermore, while he impressed in spells at Celtic and Club Brugge, the 29-year-old has never played regularly in Europe’s top five leagues, and 34 Saudi Pro League appearances is hardly a baptism of fire.
With the Irons having been linked with players of Max Kilman’s calibre this summer, Lopetegui’s side would be better off pursuing transfers with a proven track record at the highest level [Darren Ambrose, 23 June].
Even if Lopetegui can’t reunite with his former Wolves captain, there should be several transfer targets ahead of Hendry on the list if the Hammers want to improve their defensive record next season.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been handed a boost in the race for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.