Manchester City set to sign Jamal Baptiste after West Ham United exit decision – Fabrizio Romano
Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Jamal Baptiste following his decision to leave West Ham, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer expert posted on his Twitter page on Wednesday [30 August] that the centre-back is expected to be loaned to Belgian side Lommel.
Baptiste occasionally featured on the substitutes’ bench for West Ham, but he made just one senior appearance for the club.
Romano posted: “Manchester City set to complete Jamal Baptiste deal as revealed yesterday – it’s done for 2003 CB who joins on free transfer from West Ham.
“Understand City will sign Baptiste and then loan him out to Belgian City Group side Lommel.”
A new chapter
Baptiste said in an interview with The Athletic [May 24] after confirming his West Ham exit that he was looking to take the “next step” in his career.
In the view of the 20-year-old, he was now old enough to be playing regular football at senior level – something West Ham were not offering him.
That will also be the case at City, but at least a loan switch to Belgium will provide the youngster with an opportunity to show what he is all about.
Baptiste was always highly regarded at the London Stadium, which is explained by the fact he was named among the subs at such a young age.
But his only first-team outing came in a Europa League tie two seasons ago and he was barely seen last season.
A health issue played a part in that, which hopefully for Baptiste is now a thing of the past.
It might not have worked out for him in East London, but Baptiste now has his wish of getting a chance to spread his wings elsewhere.
West Ham will just hope it is not a decision they are made to regret.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are reportedly “on standby” to make a last-ditch signing.