West Ham United have made it clear they’re going to revamp their squad this summer, and a couple of interesting names have been linked with a move to the London Stadium.
The latest player on the Hammers’ radar is highly coveted Genoa centre-half Koni De Winter.
TuttoJuve reports that West Ham are pushing to sign the talented and versatile defender, but interest from the top guns in Serie A could scupper their plans.
De Winter’s services are in high demand. Juventus and Napoli are among a number of clubs looking to snap him up, so it could be difficult to pull off a deal.
Even Premier League rivals Everton are in the mix, but West Ham aren’t taking their foot off the gas in the race to sign De Winter.
The Belgian international has been a standout performer for Genoa this season.
He has helped the Rossoblu keep seven clean sheets in 21 Serie A games, although his passing skills could use some fine-tuning (43% long balls completed).
On the plus side, what he lacks in his passing ability, he more than makes up in grit, defensive resilience, and reading of the game.
De Winter is near-unbeatable in the air, winning 70% of his aerial duels while averaging 1.4 duels, 4.3 ball recoveries, and 4.6 clearances per 90 minutes.
He would add steel to West Ham’s backline, but all that counts for nothing if they cannot convince him to ditch the top Italian flight for the Premier League this summer.
De Winter has three years left on his Genoa contract, but it’ll be surprising if he doesn’t switch allegiances this summer.
Genoa know that, so they wouldn’t stop him from leaving the club. They have made him available for around £21 million plus bonuses.
Genoa’s asking price wouldn’t be a problem for West Ham, but Juventus’ interest is a huge stumbling block.
Reports claim the centre-back favours a return to Juventus after coming through the club’s academy before joining Genoa.