West Ham United are bracing themselves for a busy summer transfer window as they navigate potential departures and seek to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
With six players out of contract and the likelihood of Lucas Paqueta’s departure to Manchester City, the Hammers are already facing significant squad reconstruction. Moreover, the need for additional quality signings further complicates their offseason plans.
According to insider reports, West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, is set to have funds at his disposal for recruitment. Addressing the team’s defensive vulnerabilities appears to be a priority, with concerns surrounding the central defensive positions.
The potential departures of Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna, coupled with Thilo Kehrer’s permanent move to Monaco and Kurt Zouma’s fitness issues, highlight the urgent need for defensive reinforcements.
Despite the promising performances of Konstantinos Mavropanos, occasional defensive lapses have underscored the need for additional defensive cover.
As a result, West Ham is reportedly in discussions to secure the services of Belgian defender Zeno Debast from Anderlecht. The 20-year-old has emerged as a standout talent, impressing with his composure on the ball and defensive awareness.
Debast’s ability to dribble out from the back and his adept passing range make him an attractive prospect for West Ham. Moreover, his disciplined approach to defending and his potential for further development align with the club’s long-term vision.
With Debast’s contract at Anderlecht set to expire next summer, West Ham is exploring the possibility of securing his signature at a relatively modest fee of £13 million.
Having showcased his talents against West Ham in previous encounters, Debast’s emergence as a regular fixture in the Belgian national team further enhances his appeal.
With interest from several clubs across Europe, including Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV, and Ajax, West Ham faces stiff competition for his signature. However, the allure of Premier League football and the opportunity to work under David Moyes could sway Debast’s decision in favor of a move to London.
“Debast, it should be noted, will enter the final year of his contract in the summer and, as we understand, he has already made it known to his club that he aims to take the leap to another level,” O Jogo reports.
“This is, moreover, the reason why the current leader of the Belgian championship did not even present him with a proposal to renew, being available to negotiate the transfer of a player who he knows has several interested parties.
“In addition to Sporting, he is coveted, among others, by Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, West Ham, PSV and Ajax.”
Dubbed the ‘new Vincent Kompany,’ Debast’s potential arrival at West Ham has the potential to significantly bolster their defensive ranks.
If he can emulate even a fraction of Kompany’s success and West Ham can secure his services at the reported fee, it would represent a shrewd acquisition for the club. As negotiations progress, West Ham fans will be hopeful of witnessing Debast’s defensive prowess in claret and blue next season.