Premier League – ready talent offers exciting future for West Ham. West Ham’s planning for life post- Lucas Paquetá is something that has emerged again into the media spotlight: ‘Will he stay or will he leave’ rose again to the top of the agenda this weekend as his agents were reported as being in contact with his old club Flamenco.
Whatever the veracity of those reports, it makes sense for West Ham to have a plan B in place for the summer as the outcome of the FA enquiry is still an unknown quantity. Interesting to see reports of the Hammers’ continued interest in one young midfielder, originating in the January window as the club appear committed to pursue him in the summer despite a reported failed bid last month.
Ezechiel Banzuzi was a West Ham target in January but his club OH Leuven managed to hold on to their player until the end of this season.
Reports suggest there is a resignation, however, that he will be allowed to leave in the summer. Although only 19, the youngster has 58 league appearances and is already an international at u21 level.
London World reported just before the weekend that OH Leuven’s Director acknowledged the teenaged talent is ready for the big time:“We have agreed with Eze that he’ll finish the season. We will definitely give him the next step in the summer. He’s completely outgrown the competition, hasn’t he? He plays on one leg
West Ham boss Potter is said to be a fan of attacking midfielder Banzuzi, “and it’s claimed Leuven will demand a £12million fee to sanction a sale. West Ham may already be looking to the future with Lucas Paquetá having been regularly linked with a move away over the last year or so.a”
As a summer signing at a decent price, Banzuzi represents an exciting future for West Ham. The right age profile for future growth into a Premier League – I ruality player without the £50 million price tag. Y we 1QHow to grab him before the usual Premier League competitors vie for his signature – that’s the trcky part.
