Youssef En-Nesyri transfer preference emerges as West Ham United eye Julen Lopetegui favourite
Youssef En-Nesyri now prefers a move to Saudi Arabia despite interest from former boss Julen Lopetegui, according to Football Espana.
The outlet reported on their website (10 June) that the Sevilla striker is being monitored by the Irons but an offer has yet to be made, as is the case with various interested clubs, including AC Milan.
Lopetegui previously managed him in La Liga and the Irons’ long-held interest in the Moroccan international was believed to have stepped up in a big way with the Spaniard taking over from David Moyes this summer [Vamos Mi Sevilla, 12 May].
But according to the latest report interest from the Middle East has caught En-Neyri’s attention and he is most attracted to a move in that direction rather than to any of multiple Premier League suitors.
Saudi again for West Ham after Luis Guilherme threat and Fabricio Bruno collapse
On one hand it would appear to be a major frustration for Lopetegui and the Irons if the Saudi Pro League has again emerged as a stumbling block on a possible new signing.
Interest from that source helped contribute to a presumed deal for Flamengo defender Patricio Bruno falling through, and threatened the move for Palmeiras attacker Luis Guilherme [The Sun, 3 June], although the latter is now on the brink of completion after the Brazilian passed his medical [Fabrizio Romano, 11 June].
But if the Hammers haven’t made a bid for En-Nesyri then they would arguably only have themselves to blame to miss out on him if they actually want him.
Otherwise it appears he might end up being a player who is endlessly linked to arrival at the London Stadium but never arrives.
His success under Lopetegui in Spain makes him a logical target, especially when Sevilla need to sell thanks to financial pressures and West Ham need new arrivals at striker.
But it may be that he is down the list of targets agreed between the new manager and Tim Steidten, and a bid will only go in if the likes of Tammy Abraham and Samu Omorodion prove impossible.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are about to complete the permanent sale of a player who only just signed a new deal.
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