By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Marseille and Monaco are among the clubs to have inquired about West Ham midfielder Mohamadou Kanté, according to a report from Foot Mercato.
Kanté was signed by former Director of Football Tim Steidten for a very modest £500,000 before being allowed to remain on loan with his parent club Paris FC.
Since arriving at West Ham, the young Frenchman quickly impressed in the club’s Under-21 side before being promoted into the first-team squad under Nuno Espírito Santo midway through the season.
Kanté’s Rise Has Been Rapid
Kanté went on to make 11 appearances from the bench and was certainly one of the players who looked ready to make the step up to Championship football next season.
That is why it is somewhat disappointing to see him already being linked with moves away from the London Stadium.
In many respects, he is exactly the type of player West Ham should be trying to keep hold of as we prepare for life in the second tier.
Young, talented, improving and already trusted by the manager.
West Ham Must Resist Temptation
According to the report, West Ham have placed a €20 million valuation on the midfielder.
That figure feels enormous considering Kanté’s limited first-team experience.
However, if I were making the decision, I’d be inclined to reject any approach regardless of the fee.
There is a very real chance that Kanté could become one of the standout midfielders in the Championship next season.
West Ham already face the prospect of losing several senior players this summer.
Allowing one of the club’s brightest young prospects to leave as well would feel like a step too far.
Agree with all the comments, Kante has all the attributes to become a top midfielder, if Nuno can get him to be consistent he will dominate the opposition not only in the championship but in the PL. He could be our Elliot Anderson and if we do go up first time unless Kretinsky can work miracles with retaining players we will need a core of players that can be added too in order to survive such is the gap.
this move would be incredibly stupid 🤨
Sullivan is out of the frame, hopefully, haggling needs to be kept to minimum and deals done.
Looking at ambitious championship players but need to be agreed early.
Need some serious thoughts about what’s on the horizon which could be Nuno and Paco.
Not only players on field but also a strong bench.
Championship league needs to be taken serious and with extra games bench needs to be ready.
Freebies (very much included) and academy players are going to be needed.
Potter already stretched players by sending a number out on loan.
Have to keep Kante at all cost he will become a monster in the middle of the park his upside is massive
If we sell him, a player that offers drive, dynamism, ball carrying, passing and is decent in the tackle and start the season yet again with soucek who offers none of the aforementioned qualities I really will despair. We need a functioning midfield not a midfield dominated by a player who’s in the team due to his ability in either area, there’s no problem keeping soucek as a squad option but kante should be part of a spine we build around, but I guess if there’s a price quoted by the club they’re happy to sell which is disappointing, cheers
It would be a serious mistake to sell Kante! He is not only young, he is exactly the sort of player West Ham needs to build their future around.
Ridiculous decision to let him go. He was brilliant whenever he came on last season. We need players like that in the EFL. Hope the story is bollox.
What a ridiculous decision to set a price on a youngster who has the potential to be a massive asset to us in the championship
We can flip him for double that figure in less than 18 months. If he is retained for two more seasons and one being in the PL he would bw valued at £60 m.
That’s serious profit and WHU must get better at tarting up our bought to sell emerging talwnts.
Look at what Bournmouth and Brighton have been doing.
Had any of us heard of Caicedo and the gobby Argie before they arrived. £220 m for the pair.
☝️ totally agree. He has all the attributes and talent to become an exceptional first team player.
It makes no sense to sell him now, especially when Fernandes and Summerville (both young impressive players) are looking likely to find new clubs.
Hope it’s just the usual nonsense at this time of the season. 🤞