With little transfer activity other than the conversion of Keiber Lamadrid‘s loan to a permanent move, the 35000-plus West Ham fans renewing their season tickets have done so large as a leap of faith, without any real idea of who will be lining up for their side come the season openers in August.
Most fans are resigned to the seemingly inevitable sales of Summerville and Fernandes but, other than that, few clues have emerged following de facto Chairman Kretinsky’s statement that the club want to hold onto key players.
Well connected West Ham – focused NYTimes journalist Roshane Thomas, writing in the Athletic, has lifted the lid on the future of one young talent originally signed under Tim Steidten who emerged from the u21’s last season and has the potential to become a true midfield powerhouse.
Referring to the awesome youngster Mohamado Kanté, Thomas is unequivocal: Despite interest from top French sides, Kante will be staying put:
“The promising 20-year-old has interest from Ligue 1 clubs Marseille, Monaco and Lyon. Nuno — who handed the midfielder his first-team debut, against Manchester United, in December — wants to keep the midfielder and considers Kante a part of his plans.“
Which will come as a hugely optimistic sign for West Ham supporters who saw the young man’s appearances from the bench last season.
Keeping hold of some of their brightest talent will be key to bouncing back into the Premier League and after Kante’s flashes of quality last season, the young midfielder has it in him to deliver a true breakout season in the second division this season.
Rumours had suggested €20 million was being offered for his services, so the prospect of West Ham eschewing a big ‘book’ profit and keeping the Frenchman for the coming season is excellent news indeed.