West Ham United ‘Ready to Move’ for Everton star Amadou Onana amid potential January transfer window exodus
West Ham United are “ready to move” for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana in January should they be forced to sell their top stars, report 90min.
Writing on their website (24 November), the news outlet report that the Irons are “long-time admirers” of the Belgium international and they tried to sign him before he opted to move to Merseyside.
And after the Toffees were docked 10 points for breaching profit and sustainability rules, there have been suggestions they could be forced to sell players in January to balance the books and the Hammers are said to be keeping an eye on the situation.
“Nevertheless, 90min understands that a number of clubs are keeping a close eye on developments at Goodison Park and are ready to move if the situation does change,” they wrote.
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are three high-profile players that are wanted by Premier League rivals, and they are arguably some of the Toffees’ most sellable assets should the club need to raise funds through sales.
“Calvert-Lewin has returned to full fitness in recent weeks, showing glimpses of good form, and has a number of long-term admirers that include Arsenal and Newcastle United.
“The Magpies have also watched Branthwaite closely this season, alongside Manchester United, as they look to increase their options in central defence, while Belgian midfielder Onana is a player long-admired by the Red Devils, Aston Villa and West Ham, who attempted to sign the 22-year-old prior to his move to Merseyside.”
Interesting
There were strong reports of interest in Onana before he joined Everton, and last season when they were struggling financially he was linked again.
It’s clear that West Ham are fans of the 22-year-old and if the opportunity arose to get a deal done then it would be a surprise if the Hammers didn’t look into it.
Everton are unlikely to want to sell their best players in the middle of a season where they’re now in a relegation battle through no fault of the playing staff, but they could be forced and that opens up an opportunity for other clubs to strike.
After signing for more than £33m in the summer of 2022, Onana is unlikely to be a cheap signing. But West Ham didn’t spend all of the £105m received for Declan Rice and there will surely be more money available too.
With potential exits mooted in January too for Pablo Fornals, Danny Ings, Divin Mubama and potentially Nayef Aguerd too, this could be a shrewd bit of business to get in a long-term target.
In other West Ham news, ‘Phenomenal’ West Ham star “destined for Liverpool according to Micah Richards.