Baris Alper Yilmaz could well join West Ham United from Turkish giants Galatasaray this summer.
The explosive 24-year-old winger first emerged as a transfer target for West Ham earlier this summer, when it was claimed that we were imminently set to make a £30 million bid for him.
As things stand, that offer is still yet to materialise, but it’s clear to see that Julen Lopetegui is keeping a very close eye on the Turkey international.
The Spaniard has already made three signings, and we can expect at least three more new arrivals before the 2024/25 campaign begins.
The addition of a striker and a central midfielder this summer are absolute necessities as far as I’m concerned.
However, a strong case could be made for the need for Lopetegui to sign another winger as well – preferably a right-footed one who’s capable of playing out wide on the left.
Yilmaz certainly fits into that category.
Links are heating up with reports claiming that the Hammers are heavily interested in signing him.
And now, there’s has been yet another fresh claim regarding the Turkey international’s intentions this summer…
Baris Alper Yilmaz is trying to push through West Ham move
The Turkey international may well be set to leave Galatasaray in order to join the East London outfit this summer.
He’s absolutely perfect for us, so it’s no surprise to me that Lopetegui might want to bring him to the club.
And something that Yilmaz is said to be doing now should really endear him to the Hammers fans.
Ilkhaber Gazetesi claim that the 24-year-old attacker is now learning English to help the chances of a potential move to West Ham this summer.
I like the sound of him!
He’s a terrific talent, but it is his attitude and application that makes him absolutely perfect for Lopetegui’s setup.
It’s rare these days to find talented attacking players with plenty of skill and flair but also a proper work ethic.
He bagged seven goals and 12 assists in 55 games for Galatasaray last season, and really impressed for Turkey out in Germany at Euro 2024.
Yilmaz possesses pace in abundance, is incredibly tenacious, has fantastic dribbling ability and has real end product inside the final third.
The 24-year-old would be the perfect player to start in the left wing position for us, but he can play out wide on the right as well, or even through the middle as a striker if need be.
West Ham paying £30 million for Galatasaray ace Baris Alper Yilmaz seems like very good value indeed to me.
And the fact that he’s learning English to help facilitate a move to the Premier League is a sign of his brilliant mentality.
Hopefully, Lopetegui, Tim Steidten and the Hammers owners manage to wrap this one up as soon as possible.
