Perhaps somewhat prematurely, West Ham are reported today as ‘making a move’ for one of their top winger targets in this summer transfer window.
Instinct suggests that the first part of the rebuild is to ship out those players definitely departing before bidding on new arrivals – that hasn’t stopped the speculation from building around several ‘names’ as the window progresses.
Reports from footballinsider247.com and subsequently footballleagueworld.com claim that the Irons are planning to bid for winger Abdul Fatawu, Leicester City’s pacy 22 year old who was a standout performer in his club’s pretty dismal Championship season and now finds himself in the third tier of English football.
Their article entitled: “West Ham make Abdul Fatawu move as Leicester City transfer valuation becomes clearer” sets out the claim that:
“The Hammers have identified the 22-year-old as a clear attacking target this summer, although the youngster is set to receive interest from across Europe.
One of several wingers but now suggested West Ham are planning to bid in new report: Abdul Fatawu
Leicester are committed to selling the Ghana international this summer, and view him as their most “sellable asset” after their relegation to League One. Leicester’s financial struggles have left them keen to offload the wideman this summer, while the player is also adamant that he needs to be playing above League One level.
It has been widely reported that Fatawu will be available for just £20million as a result, rather than the previous £30m asking price.”
Previously identified as one of several widemen under examination by exWHUEmployee along with other wingers, such as Watford’s Othmane Maamma and Stoke City’s Million Manhoef, Fatawu as a right sided winger was seen as a more natural ‘Bowen’ rather than ‘Summerville’ replacement.
West Ham’s shortage of wingers once Summerville has departed means they are likely to pick up more than one player in the window – the jury is still out over a £20 million fee for a player who’d sit behind Bowen in the pecking order, in much the same way as did Mohammed Kudus.
League One player valued at £20m?
Does anyone know what the record paid for fee is in League One per chance?
More likely to be a guarantee of £12m plus add ons, sell on percentage.
Even that sounds extremely expensive!