West Ham will need to sell one of their current centre backs before launching a bid for any additional central defenders. That’s the latest update from West Ham’s top source who spoke to Claret and Hugh late last night.
While an additional central defender is a preference for head coach Julen Lopetegui, C&H was informed by the London Stadium insider that following the purchase of Max Kilman, the Hammers would have to sell to fund an additional defender.
That is not to say that there are no additional funds available for other positions; moreover, the club is well-stocked in central defence and would need to move on one player to make way for another.
Speaking last night, the source said, “If this transfer goes through [Kilman], we’ll have to sell one of our central defenders before buying another. We can’t carry more than four CBs.”
While the club was reluctant to share names, we have been told in the past that any bid for Kurt Zouma was likely to be accepted, and Nayef Aguerd changed agents late last year in an effort to secure a move away from East London.
John, Why does Aguerd want to leave?
Says premier league is to physical.
This could be because he had slow-mo Zoom(a) as an accomplice.
Now with Kilman could find he’s only got half the ground to cover.
Alternatively move him out to left back.
I can’t see anyone taking Zouma what with his knees and his wage. I can see him being a third or fourth choice on a high wage for the last year of his contract.
That means stick or twist with Aguerd if he’s prepared to stay while it seems he wants away.
Aguerd could be a totally different proposition given the system that Lopetegui will play, Aguerd is likely to suit it.
So it looks to me like Zouma stays and Aguerd may go in which case replace him. If he stays so good.
Would love to see Trevor Chalobah as the right sided CB arrive. If it true £25m seals the deal then he’d be my choice as can play RB too!
Agree with that, Matt. TC is an excellent player
How long left on Zouma’s contract? Can see him sitting tight on the money he earns. 😢
Great to see J-Lo hopefully getting his No.1 target and maybe our new captain.
Agreed re Zouma: From memory there’s 12 months left – who would take him with his limited mobility and salary? I’d expect to see him warming our bench all season.
I think West Ham should be thankful that there’s only 12 months left on this contract
Only a club with an owner as ‘name’ flattered as ours would go anywhere near raspberry ripple Zouma. All this French international (not worthy for years), Chelsea ‘star’ made our owner cream his kegs. Let’s hope we can con somebody else like we were! Chelsea saw us coming with his injury record and already ruined knee.
Although I trust Steidten, I would rather see West Ham bring another CB in before letting one go. Zouma has been decent for us, but his knees have gone and he needs to go to less taxing/physical league. I think JLo could still make a decent player out of Aguerd
JLo intentions were to lower age and increase squad size to cover rotation/injury.
GONE: Johnson / Kehrer / Benrahma / Fornals / Ogbonna / Mubama / Phillips / Anang / Trott / Cresswell (sub maybe).
GOING: Zoom(a)_no loss / Ings.
MAYBE GOING: Cornet / Aguerd / Emerson.
SIGNED: 2 main squad players + 2 academy players. £67m.
NEEDED: Left back / Right back / C/bk / Mid field / Left winger (who can play anywhere across front) / Striker_at least one.
KITTY: £100m, very optimistic (needs to be £200m+).
Still need 6/7 players which equates to about £5m each.