Hammers’ Centre Back targets on a ‘free’ transfer is something which I am loathe to discuss, regular readers of C and H will recall. The fuss made over the Matip/Hummells/Egan free saga left me feeling – somewhat cynically – that most of this was media hype just to fill some space post-transfer window and during the international break when there was-literally-nothing else to write about.
However one overseas news story caught my eye and made me reconsider my stance: A target from earlier in the window with whom West Ham were seriously linked – not just rumoured- has apparently had his contract terminated and is now available for a free transfer: And the most interesting part is that he is a high quality centre-back. Ah – just what we need.
Remember, this was the player reported by sources including tbrfootball.com as a Steidten target from July.
Today’s report in getfootballnewsfrance.com has the headline ‘ West Ham target Oumar Solet becomes free agent following termination of RB Salzburg contract’ and goes onto detail:
As confirmed on X/Twitter, Oumar Solet (24) is now a free agent following the termination of his contract at Austrian club RB Salzburg. The development comes after a summer where the Lyon academy graduate was continuously linked with a move away from the Red Bull club.
Solet has been a target for many clubs across Europe in the past two transfer windows. West Ham United, Liverpool and Manchester United were all linked with a move for the former France U21 international in the summer transfer window. Before that, in January, Napoli and Lens both tried to complete late moves for the centre-back. However, no subsequent move materialised.
The centre back was also close to signing for Hoffenheim in the summer transfer window before he failed a medical and the move collapsed. Under the newly appointed Pep Ljinders at Salzburg, Solet has not been involved this season. Now free from his contract, the 24-year-old is able to sign for a new club. “
Another historic ACL injury in 2020 – concerning that he failed a medical this summer but well worth a look as a back-up to our main squad defenders? He is a former France Under 21 international and an undoubted talent. Maybe just what we need to add the strength in depth to our back line? Advantageous terms might suit both the player seeking to rebuild his career and the Hammers looking for the strength in depth of a fourth centre back:
Who knows, a great financial investment if he rediscovers form and fitness. Let’s see what transpires.