West Ham United‘s defensive rebuild has hit a potential roadblock in their pursuit of Argentinian centre-back Nehuen Perez, reports The Daily Telegraph.
The primary concern for the Hammers is Atletico Madrid’s buy-back clause for Perez, their former player sold to Udinese two years ago. This clause allows Atletico to re-sign Perez, potentially scuppering West Ham’s plans.
Adding to the complexity, West Ham isn’t the only club interested in Perez. Multiple Premier League teams and Italian giants AC Milan are also reportedly vying for his signature.
Despite the competition, there’s a positive light for West Ham. Perez is reportedly receptive to a move to the London Stadium, potentially giving the Hammers an edge.
West Ham has reportedly prepared a £13.5 million bid for Perez, making him a more cost-effective option compared to other targets like Max Kilman.
New manager Julen Lopetegui has identified central defence as a key area for improvement. While Kilman remains a target, his potential high cost makes Perez a more strategic choice.
With Atletico’s buy-back clause and other clubs circling, West Ham needs to act quickly to secure Perez.
So far, West Ham’s transfer window activity has been limited to the arrival of attacker Luis Guilherme. Bolstering the defence remains a priority, but finalising deals before Lopetegui officially takes charge on 1st July is proving difficult.
West Ham faces a double challenge in their pursuit of Perez. Atletico Madrid’s buy-back clause and competition from other clubs create uncertainty. The Hammers must act swiftly and decisively if they want to secure the young defender and solidify their backline for the upcoming season.
A lot of teams have buy-back options (first refusal) inserted into contracts especially when they sell young talented players. Easy answer to whether it’s gonna be a problem is to ask if they want him back, if they don’t problem solved……… move along, nothing to see here.
Just good business by Atletico. If they think there will be a bidding war, they’ll buy him back and sell for profit. Who can blame them? Tim will have other options, have to trust him I say.
just wish Sullivan would sell up & let West Ham be like of old signed players no fuss this bloke likes he’s fingers in every deal & can see JLO walking before the season starts at this rate
Agree with that.
Every transfer window is the same old story, every player that Hammers are looking to or are about to sign there’s a last minute hitch, a roadblock, an issue that has never ever been heard of except in West Ham transfers, other teams just sign the players without the only fools and horses back and forth. Embarrassing and you wonder why some players will never agree to sign for West Ham.
Sully holding the purse strings in the shadows. Twas ever thus.
Yep..