West Ham United are making a last-minute attempt to steal Belgian defender Zeno Debast from under the noses of Sporting CP, according to a report from Maisfutebol.
Sporting CP have been heavily linked with Debast for a while now, and negotiations are reportedly at an advanced stage. The total transfer fee is expected to be between €18 million and €20 million, with a structure involving a fixed fee of €13-15 million and €5 million in performance-based bonuses.
The 20-year-old defender has risen through the ranks at Anderlecht and is already a first-team regular. His impressive performances have attracted the attention of several top clubs, including his inclusion in the Belgium squad for the World Cup.
While Sporting seem confident about securing Debast’s signature, West Ham United have thrown a spanner in their plans. The Hammers are in need of defensive reinforcements, especially with the potential departure of Angelo Ogbonna.
West Ham might not offer Champions League football like Sporting, but their financial muscle could be a tempting proposition for Debast. Additionally, the prospect of playing in the Premier League might hold significant appeal.
With both clubs vying for Debast’s signature, it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga unfolds. Sporting’s advanced negotiations and Champions League offer could be countered by West Ham’s financial clout ,Premier League prestige and the allure of jellied eels.