West Ham United have reportedly tested the waters by making contact over a move to sign a £33m+ defender ahead of Manchester United.
West Ham looking to spend again ahead of Potter’s first full season in charge
The Hammers and Graham Potter appear to already be working behind the scenes at the London Stadium on potential summer signings ahead of the 2025/26 season. It will be Potter’s first full campaign in charge of the Irons, who splashed the cash on a plethora of new faces last summer.
There have been numerous transfer links regarding West Ham signing a new forward, following injuries to Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug in 2024/25.
Antonio recently made a return to the London Stadium following a serious car crash at the end of 2024, however, the forward is adamant he’ll play again.
“Yes, 100%. I will play again. That’s what I am focused on and why I am working six days a week. I’ve always been positive from this situation. It’s a horrendous accident, and it’s a massive injury.
“It’s the biggest injury I’ve ever had in my career. But the fact that I’m already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I’ll play again, and I know that once I’m playing the game I’ll get the sharpness back.”
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One club are circling.
Lille’s Jonathan David, Fiorentina’s Moise Kean and Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto are just three attackers thought to be of interest to West Ham, but additions could also be made at the back.
Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been linked with a move to London in recent days, and now, a centre-back target has come onto West Ham’s radar.
West Ham test waters over move for £33m+ defender
According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham are looking at signing Udinese defender Oumar Solet. They’ve made contact and tested the waters over a potential deal and have received encouragement, with Udinese looking at possible replacements.
Solet, who was linked with the Irons last summer, hasn’t signed a new deal with the Serie A side and is out of contract in 2027, meaning an exit could be on the cards in the coming months.
Udinese want at least €40m (£33.3m) to part ways with Solet, who they only signed back in January. The 25-year-old previously turned out for the likes of Lyon and RB Salzburg, however, he was without a club for a few months prior to moving to Italy at the beginning of 2025.
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Defenders similar to Oumar Solet |
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Nico Schlotterbeck |
Borussia Dortmund |
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Alessandro Bastoni |
Inter Milan |
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Jan Paul van Hecke |
Brighton |
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Waldemar Anton |
Borussia Dortmund |
Now, it looks as if he could be on the move again, but this time for big money if the Irons firm up their interest after contact by making an offer. If they do, Potter will be getting a centre-back who can also turn out as a holding midfielder if needed.
