We all know the summer’s the best time for eyeing up top international talent before the league starts up again, and West Ham’s certainly not been wasting any time on making some big connections on the overseas transfer market.
And yet, one name is still popping up in whispers – Yunus Musah, who, having played at academy level for Arsenal and who is currently playing at AC Milan, is allegedly even closer to debuting at London Stadium.
The news comes hot on the heels of reports that the midfielder is expected to clear fitness tests, making him free to move provided AC Milan can agree on a deal.
Why Musah?
AC Milan’s 24/25 season was a pretty mixed bag. Yet, for anyone checking out Betfred or other sportsbooks via Oddschecker, the side consistently rode some short odds across the year. Betting sites are great for keeping track of what experts (and fans) think – but as we all know, everything can change on the pitch.
Regardless, AC Milan is keen to clean house a little before things start up again, while the Hammers are connecting themselves to all manner of talent – and honestly, why not?
Yunus Musah has been a promising talent for a few years now, and he saw almost 1,600 minutes of play in Serie A this past season – albeit with two assists and no goals to his name. That said, the Hammers continue to see promise in the American midfielder, to the point where it seems like we’re regularly reporting on how close West Ham is to closing a deal.
The two-year pursuit
In fact, to say West Ham has been keen to secure Musah for its midfield for some time is putting it mildly. We’ve been linked to the star since at least his days at Valencia, meaning he’s been in the club crosshairs for around two years on the trot.
Back in June, we reported that the Hammers had tried to secure Musah much earlier, albeit far too late (apparently) in the transfer process. At the time, it looked like any chances of bringing the midfielder from Italy to the UK were out of the question.
That, however, seems to have changed – after a season marked slightly by muscle fatigue, Musah is still on the cards to leave AC Milan this summer, and, naturally, the Hammers are eager to leap in and take their chances. He’s reportedly fit and ready to go for next season despite having missed three matches in 24/25.
Is it a wise purchase?
You tell us – Musah has the potential to set up and score some fantastic goals, as he’s proven at Valencia, and he’s well-known for his versatility and dynamic play. That’s going to go down well in the current first 11. It certainly helps that, amid international experience, Musah is well in tune with how the English game is played.
At just 22, if the Hammers can find a good spot for Musah, he’s likely to be a long-term investment who can bolster the rest of the team. We’re in need of someone dynamic who can fit naturally into the current setup – and despite a few false starts, it looks like Musah might be on his way to London Stadium.
Never say never, of course – the Hammers were lucky enough to still be in contention to sign Musah after the gate appeared to be shut earlier this summer. After a two-year hunt for the midfielder, it’s looking more likely we’ll be seeing him in the starting 11 for 25/26.
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