West Ham’s stunning new bid for top Turk suggests Julen Lopetegui doesn’t rate fan favourite. Despite having other priorities West Ham have have started to be linked with a number of players in a position that appeared in good hands.
When Julen Lopetegui was named West Ham’s new head coach, Spanish journalist Guillem Balague warned the club’s stars he has a ruthless streak. Balague revealed Lopetegui does not suffer fools in getting his teams where he wants them to be.
And West Ham may already be witnessing that in abundance it seems. The former Spain boss came in and made sweeping changes to West Ham’s staff. He snubbed Kevin Nolan’s plea to be kept on as part of the new Hammers setup.
His first decision was that captain Kurt Zouma and his error-prone central defensive partner Nayef Aguerd were to be shipped out. Working with technical director Tim Steidten, Lopetegui has been busy completely rebuilding this West Ham squad.
West Ham reportedly make stunning new bid for top Turk
Speaking to Hammers News this week, the top spokesman inside West Ham confirmed the club are working on several signings as ‘we need a few more’. That’s despite the Hammers making six signings already this summer.
The current focus is on signing another two centre-backs in addition to Max Kilman and trying to get a deal over the line for Aaron Wan-Bissaka or another right-back. One position that West Ham might be able to get away without strengthening is left-back.
Emerson Palmieri has – more often than not – been one of West Ham’s better performers after a difficult start to life at the club following his move from Chelsea. Beyond Emerson, the Irons only have the ageing Aaron Cresswell.
But the Brazilian-born Italian international saw his own form dip in the second half of last season. And he has now turned 30. Emerson has actually been linked with a move to AC Milan.
Having worked with Lopetegui from the start of pre-season, may felt it spoke volumes when it emerged on Monday West Ham had approached Monaco about signing left-back Caio Henrique.
Move suggests Lopetegui doesn’t rate Hammers fan favourite
Now West Ham’s stunning new bid for a top Turk suggests Lopetegui doesn’t rate fan favourite Emerson.
According to AS Marca Turkey, West Ham have made an official offer of £32m to Fenerbahce for Euro 2024 star Ferdi Kadioglu.
West Ham’s reported interest in Kadioglu is nothing new.
Steidten reportedly had versatile wing-back Kadioglu watched closely during the Euros, where he was one of the stars of the tournament with Turkey.
The Hammers seem to have been suitably impressed. Because according to the new report, West Ham have now made an official bid for the Dutch-born Turk.
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Forest are all said to be interested in the 24-year-old. But it is the Hammers who have made the first move if this report is to be believed. Kadioglu would undoubtedly be a superb signing for West Ham.
But the alleged bid – along with the interest in other left-backs – suggests Lopetegui has not been impressed by what he’s seen from Emerson so far. Or could it be that the Spaniard truly is trying to build a side with two quality players in most positions?
The bad news for West Ham is that AS Marca Turkey claim Fenerbahce’s valuation is at least £6m more than the £32m offer. West Ham fans will be left giddy by yet another exciting move.
It remains to be seen whether the report is accurate and, if it is, whether the bid will be accepted. One key factor here could be reports that Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho needs to make a big sale or two in order to make signings.
