West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui is favouring a summer move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spanish tactician is ‘pushing’ to bring his compatriot to the London Stadium ahead of his Premier League’s return and believes Soler could adapt well to English football.
Romano suggests that Soler could soon become the next West Ham arrival in what has been an incredible summer transfer window for the east London club.
After a disappointing ninth-place finish last season, the Hammers were keen to bolster the squad with fresh talent and have so far welcomed eight new additions.
Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug, Luis Guilherme, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Guido Rodriguez, Wes Foderingham, and Jean-Clair Todibo have joined, with more signings likely to follow before the transfer window shuts on August 30.
Wan-Bissaka became the latest West Ham arrival on Tuesday, with the Hammers confirming the 26-year-old has signed a seven-year contract after leaving Manchester United, but Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten appear to be in the market for further fresh faces.
Soler Pinpointed as ‘Perfect’ Hammers Solution
Lopetegui eager to lure Spaniard to east London
Romano, speaking to Soccer4U, revealed that Soler could soon become West Ham’s latest signing as Lopetegui is ‘pushing a lot’ for his compatriot’s arrival:
“What I’m hearing is that Julen Lopetegui is pushing a lot to have Soler. He believes that Soler could be a perfect solution and a perfect player for the Premier League with his skills. I think he could probably be the next one [signing].”
Since joining PSG in 2022 from Valencia, Soler – described as “dangerous” by Luis Enrique – has been a fringe player at Parc des Princes and was linked with a potential departure throughout the 2023/24 season.
Aston Villa were reportedly keen on signing the central midfielder in January, while Brighton & Hove Albion are thought to be among the clubs interested in Soler as of now, according to L’Equipe.
The 27-year-old, who still has three years left on his current deal with PSG, made just 12 starts in Ligue 1 last season and struggled to make an impact under Luis Enrique in the previous campaign.
With Gabriel Moscardo and Joao Neves joining the club this window, Soler faces increased competition for places next season and could welcome a move away from the French capital.
According to Le Parisien, West Ham would have to pay over £17million to sign Soler this summer.
