West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has clearly spotted one weakness in particular amongst his squad.
Julen Lopetegui is allegedly plotting at least six new signings this summer, and the West Ham boss obviously has one specific priority in mind.
We’ve already told you how the Spaniard is being tasked with getting the Hammers back into the top six, and in order to do that, he needs to make some top-class signings this summer.
One specific area of the West Ham squad that is in urgent need of addressing is the centre-back department, and Lopetegui appears intent on sorting it out.
The 57-year-old is apparently already closing in on a deal to sign Fabricio Bruno from Flamengo, but he wants more.
And now, West Ham have taken the first step needed to bring Maxime Esteve to the London Stadium this summer, according to a report from French publication L’Equipe.
Esteve joined Burnley on loan from Montpellier back on transfer deadline day in February, and the Clarets have since made that move a permanent one for around £10 million.
After just 16 appearances for Burnley though, he could be on his way out of the club…
Julen Lopetegui eyes Maxime Esteve signing for West Ham
The former Montpellier man is extremely highly rated in his homeland.
And he’s won a lot of fans in England over the past four months as well.
Sure, Burnley really struggled last season defensively but that was more to do with their poor performance as a team overall, and the lack of protection offered in front of the backline.
In 16 Premier League appearances for Burnley last season, he averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 3.4 clearances and 1.7 successful aerial duels per game. He made 50.6 passes per match on average and recorded a completion rate of 84.4% (Who Scored).
He is incredibly well-versed at playing out from the back and is extremely comfortable in possession of the football – two traits that make him perfect for Lopetegui’s preferred system.
At just 22, Esteve still has a long way to go before he reaches his peak, but he has all of the ingredients needed to go on and become a world-class centre-back.
I’ll be absolutely delighted if Julen Lopetegui brings the central defender to West Ham this summer.
