West Ham United make Simon Banza approach with new UAE update
West Ham have made a wage proposal to sign Braga striker Simon Banza this summer, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese newspaper has reported in its print edition (3 June, page 10) that while 27-year-old Banza has the desire to play in the Premier League, the Hammers’ offer to the striker has been dwarfed by clubs from the UAE.
Banza’s 21 goals for Braga in the Primeira Liga this season have drawn attention from several clubs across Europe and the Middle East, but the Congo international is under contract until 2027 with a release clause of over £34million.
While the Irons’ wage proposal to Banza may turn his head towards the London Stadium, it is implied that Emirati clubs are much more capable of meeting the release clause and offering the striker a life-changing salary.
West Ham wasting no time in new striker pursuit
Julen Lopetegui had identified six key positions West Ham needed to strengthen even before he was confirmed as their new head coach, and centre-forward is perhaps the most pivotal of those.
While the Evening Standard reported that Michail Antonio could be in the Spaniard’s plans next season, the veteran striker is yet to be offered a new deal by the club and seems set to move on after 30 June.
That will leave a dearth of number-nine options at the London Stadium, thus the Irons’ pursuit of a new star for this position are understandable, with several big names linked.
A reunion between Lopetegui and Youssef En-Nesyri has been widely reported with Sevilla in financial turmoil, but the approach made for Banza suggests that the Hammers are casting their net far and wide in the hunt for a new striker.
Should the Congolese forward make good on his desire to become a Premier League attacker with West Ham, Lopetegui will have fulfilled his plans in a much-needed position.
But if the Irons are beaten to Banza’s signature by Middle-Eastern clubs, expect their pursuit of other options like En-Neysri and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy to intensify.
In other West Ham news, the Irons could be on the brink of sealing four new transfers after Tim Stiedten’s trip to Brazil.
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.