West Ham United‘s transfer plans for defensive reinforcements have taken a turn, with French defender Etienne Kinkoue emerging as a target. Interestingly, their interest has been reignited after Marseille’s enquiry for the Le Havre player.
The story behind Kinkoue takes a surprising turn. It appears West Ham nearly signed the 22-year-old on the January transfer deadline day but failed with a reported £4.5 million bid. Le Havre, likely due to Kinkoue entering the final year of his contract, rejected the offer considering it too low.
Despite the failed January attempt, West Ham haven’t forgotten about Kinkoue. Their search for defensive reinforcements continues, and Kinkoue remains a potential solution. This interest is further fueled by Le Havre’s newfound openness to selling Kinkoue due to his contract situation.
The 6’5″ French youth international is a former Inter Milan academy product known for his imposing presence on the pitch. He excels at reading the game, making crucial interceptions, and even posing a threat during set pieces. While statistics suggest room for improvement in tackling and passing, his defensive contributions were instrumental in Le Havre’s Ligue 1 survival.
West Ham’s interest has been alerted by Marseille’s approach for Kinkoue. The report doesn’t confirm whether West Ham will make a new bid, but the situation has created a potential transfer battle.
Adding to Kinkoue’s appeal is his versatility. He can comfortably play both centre-back and defensive midfield, offering West Ham a valuable defensive option with tactical flexibility.
With Marseille entering the picture, West Ham may need to act quickly to secure Kinkoue. His performance in the upcoming season could not only influence their decision but also attract further interest from other clubs.