After a challenging start to the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a Champions League-winning star who could join them at a bargain price.
Despite a busy summer transfer window that saw the arrival of players like Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman, and Jean-Clair Todibo, the Hammers struggled early in Lopetegui’s tenure.
However, recent performances, including draws against Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion and a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, have sparked a turnaround, allowing Lopetegui to stabilize his position amid speculation about potential replacements such as Massimiliano Allegri.
With Lopetegui’s job seemingly secure for now, West Ham’s focus appears to have shifted to the January transfer window, where they could land a significant deal.
According to reports from Spain, the club is targeting Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech, who might terminate his contract with the Turkish side, becoming a free agent next month.
If completed, the deal would mark Ziyech’s return to the Premier League just six months after departing Chelsea. At 31, Ziyech may no longer be at the peak of his career, but securing a player of his caliber without a transfer fee is an opportunity West Ham may find hard to pass up. His return to London could also serve as a chance to make an impact against his former club, Chelsea.
Ziyech’s experience, including his role in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph over Manchester City, could prove invaluable to West Ham’s ambitions.
While his time at Stamford Bridge had its ups and downs, Ziyech’s talent and personality were often highlighted, with former manager Thomas Tuchel once praising his attitude and growth during his Chelsea stint.
Bringing Ziyech back to the Premier League could be a bold move for West Ham, potentially adding quality and depth to their squad as they look to build on their recent resurgence.
“He was fantastic from day one. He was decisive in every single friendly game we played and he was decisive in the first competitive game, in the final against Villarreal.”
Kudus Transfer Race – Man City Lodge Low Ball Offer
Mohammed Kudus is reportedly on the market for £100m during the January transfer window, with Manchester City considering a £66.5m offer to test West Ham’s resolve, according to Fichajes. Although the Ghanaian international has an £85m release clause set to activate in the summer, West Ham’s limited transfer budget may force them to sell sooner, prioritizing the acquisition of a striker above all else.
To make the deal more appealing, City could include James McAtee as part of the package, either on loan or through a permanent transfer. The 22-year-old, who has accumulated just 333 minutes of playtime this season, is a versatile player highly regarded for his ability to operate in midfield or on the wing. With 16 caps for England’s U-21 team, McAtee spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United and is keen to secure more regular first-team action, making a potential move to the London Stadium enticing.
City, previously linked to Lucas Paquetá, view Kudus as an “exceptional” attacking talent, with Pep Guardiola reportedly eager to add him to the squad to revitalize a team that has managed only one win in its last 12 matches. Kudus’s dynamic playstyle could inject much-needed energy into City’s attack.
For West Ham, selling Kudus could provide essential funds to pursue a much-needed striker, with only Niclas Füllkrug and Danny Ings currently available in their forward lineup. Sporting director Tim Steidten may shift focus to key targets like Botafogo’s Igor Jesus, valued at £30m, or Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto.
While Kudus expressed enthusiasm for West Ham after his goal in a recent 1-1 draw against Brighton, the lure of joining Manchester City could prove difficult to resist. However, any potential deal will depend on the final terms and West Ham’s ability to reinvest effectively.
City may face competition for Kudus, with Liverpool and Barcelona also rumored to be interested. Despite the growing speculation, Claret & Hugh reports that no formal bid has been submitted yet.
