West Ham United are among several clubs vying for the signature of highly-rated young defender Zeno Debast, according to a report from O Jogo.
Sporting Lisbon are actively looking to bolster their defensive options due to the potential departures of Ousmane Diomande or Goncalo Inacio, or even both, this summer. They view Debast, a 20-year-old Belgian international, as a prime target.
Debast, who began his career as a midfielder, has transitioned well to centre back. Filip de Wilde, a former Sporting player and Belgium international, highlighted Debast’s technical ability, a benefit of his midfield background. De Wilde also praised Debast’s experience playing at a high level in Belgium, making him one of the country’s most exciting young talents.
De Wilde also noted similarities between Debast and Belgium legend Vincent Kompany, particularly in playing style and career trajectory. However, he stressed that Debast needs to improve his pace in order to make an impact in the Premier League.
West Ham face stiff competition for Debast’s signature. Other interested clubs include AC Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV Eindhoven, and Ajax. The report also suggested that the Irons need to act swiftly to secure Debast before their rivals.