West Ham United on verge of signing Stuttgart ace Mavropanos amid financial issues
West Ham United are on the verge of completing a deal for Konstantinos Mavropanos while his current club Stuttgart battles financial difficulties, according to 90min.
The website reported (16 August) that the Bundesliga side are looking to raise up to £42.7million. Liverpool target Wataru Endo and Borna Sosa could be sold alongside the Greek international to cover these financial issues.
The Hammers look to improve their backline after their deal for Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire fell through.
For the taking
West Ham can exploit Stuttgart’s need to sell and could get Mavropanos through the door quickly.
While no transfer fee for the Greek has been reported, he cost the Bundesliga side just £4.5million from Arsenal, according to Metro (16 May 2022). But since then, Mavropanos has become one of the German top flight’s most exciting younger defenders and would cost significantly more than this now.
At 25 years old, the Greek is young enough to have plenty of years left in his career but old enough to have garnered plenty of experience. While not a regular by any means during his Arsenal spell, his brief experience of the Premier League could help his transition into West Ham’s starting lineup.
If Stuttgart are eager to iron out their financial struggles this summer, they may feel forced to sell Mavropanos. West Ham certainly have the money to secure the deal, and the Bundesliga side may be keen to sell meaning the Hammers may not suffer the so-called Declan Rice tax.
However, Hammers fans may feel Mavropanos will not have the immediate impact that Maguire could have, but with plenty of room to develop he could prove a shrewd signing.
The Greek bests Maguire in many key metrics which may get Hammers fans excited. He exceeds Maguire on progressive passes with 1.31 per 90 (91st percentile), aerials won per 90 with 3.42 (95th percentile) and interceptions (99th percentile) [FBRef].
The Irons could have a solid centre-back on their hands.
In other West Ham news, Sky Sports news has shared an update regarding Manchester City’s interest in Lucas Paqueta.