Little by little, more background information appears regarding West Ham’s interest in Dutch under 21 midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi. This was the player yesterday that Sky suggested was on the point of arriving at London Stadium for a medical with a ‘deal agreed’. Not.
Our own sources close to the club, whilst not wishing to be named, have filled in a few of the gaps. It is apparent that negotiations did take place between West Ham and Banzuzi’s club Belgian Pro League OH Leuven, but those negotiations were conducted well over a week ago: The bid that was placed by the Hammers was along the lines of a ‘take it or leave it’ offer which the Belgians chose not to run with.
Apparently Vice chair Karren Brady was the West Ham representative leading negotiations -which is a fascinating change of emphasis at the club, seemingly confirming the decline in influence of Tim Steidten, the Hammers’ technical director who ran last summer’s ten-player transfer splurge.
With the appointment just this week of Graham Potter’s own pick Kyle Macauley to advise on new transfers, Steidten’s future at West Ham has to be in doubt.
We are reliably informed West Ham still do hold an interest in signing Banzuzi – tantalisingly – with two weeks left in the transfer window, there’s still all to play for. Reported today in standard.co.uk, “OHLeuven value the 19-year-old at around £12.7million” so it would appear that a deal could still be negotiated as the goal posts are not so far away as to be financially unattainable for West Ham.
It depends on how much Graham Potter wants to bring the youngster to bolster the ranks this January as to whether West Ham are prepared to try again.
What goal post like not paying extra 3 million on the Duran bid last time …that worked out well
Key phrase in comments below is ‘If Potter wants him’. Article states that negotiations concluded well over a week ago so at best Potter was in post for a couple of days, earlier article indicated he is a right side attacking midfielder, not where we desperately need strengthening. With money being do tight, don’t get it as surely we need to prioritise a centre forward, centre half and players that are proven at this level, or give the manager a chance to plan properly in the summer.
for that money we need to give him a chance
the sooner TS has gone taking his crocks that he wasted money on with him The happier I will be
Sullivan and Brady out the door would be way better.
If Potter wants him bloody pay the money and get him.
Arseing around again causing further general embarrassment