Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Fri 13 March 2026 20:10, UK

Inao Oulai has emerged as a transfer target for West Ham United ahead of the summer window.

Oulai is far from being a household name in football, but if his current level of perofmance is maintained, then it won’t be long until he is.

The 19-year-old Ivorian has had a fantastic campaign with Trabzonspor, though that hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the Hammers one of those named to have shown an interest.

Oulai is under contract in Tukrey until the summer of 2030, though an exit could happen as early as this summer, with West Ham already having one eye on recruitment.

Trabzonspor set price for Inao Oulai

If West Ham are to be successful in their attempts to sign Oulai, they are likely to have to pay a substantial fee.

That is because Africa Foot have reported that the Super Lig outfit are not prepared to sanction an exit for anything less than £43.1million.

Unfortunately for the Irons, they aren’t alone in their interest, with Tottenham and Chelsea also named among the suitors for the midfielder.

It’s claimed that Chelsea are the favourites for his signature, with the Blues having identified him as a “prime target” for the summer.

What would Oulai bring to West Ham?

Mamadou Sangare has also been linked with West Ham, showcasing their desire to strengthen their midfield options this summer.

However, for several reasons aside from the price, Oulai would be a much better option.

The teenager has two goals and four assists this season in the league, though it is his deeper stats from the campaign that stand out.

Oulai has completed 36 dribbles this season, which is the most of any player in Turkey, while also having created 32 chances, which is a stat bettered by only 3.7 per cent of players in his league.

There will be an intense race to sign him this summer, but West Ham will be hoping they come out on top.