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West Ham United eye summer transfer for Jack Hendry, face Premier League competition

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

Published on:

02 Jul 2024, 6:40 am

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.

Julen Lopetegui is on the hunt for defenders at the London Stadium this summer.

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.

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