Done Deal – Superb versatile free agent good at marking attackers, capable of playing as a DMF that is desperately wanted by West Ham has now SIGNED for club after watching Julen Lopetegui’s team this season

Manchester United and West Ham United were both in the hunt for a free agent this summer, despite their heavy spending during the transfer window.

Manchester United shelled out significant sums, including £52m for Leny Yoro, £43m for Matthijs de Ligt, £36.5m for Joshua Zirkzee, £42m for Manuel Ugarte, and £17m for Noussair Mazraoui.

Meanwhile, West Ham’s Director of Football, Tim Steidten, oversaw ten new signings, with Max Kilman being the marquee addition at £40m. However, despite these reinforcements, neither side has found the desired results on the pitch so far.

Both clubs had been eyeing Oumar Solet, following his departure from RB Salzburg. The French defender was available on a free transfer, and both Manchester United and West Ham were looking to bolster their defensive options by signing him. However, that opportunity has now passed.

Manchester United and West Ham miss out as Oumar Solet signs for Udinese:

In a blow to both clubs, Oumar Solet has now completed a move to Udinese on a free transfer.

RMC Sport reported that Manchester United were interested in Solet to strengthen their central defence. At West Ham, sources informed TBR Football that the Hammers were also keen on the versatile defender.

Solet, who has been praised as “superb” by journalist Zach Lowy for his defensive marking, also has the ability to step into midfield.

Oumar Solet has been very good tonight (apart from missing the offsides sitter). Whereas Maximilian Wöber suffered before being subbed off, Solet was superb in tracking the opposing forwards’ movements, maintaining Salzburg’s high line and driving forward with the ball.

— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) September 14, 2021

Both Erik ten Hag and Julen Lopetegui have missed out on a player with such versatility, which could have provided much-needed depth for their respective squads.

Tim Steidten could still deliver a free agent for West Ham:

While Manchester United may explore other free agent options, the main focus at Old Trafford is currently on Ten Hag’s future, with TBR Football suggesting that Gareth Southgate could be lined up as a potential replacement.

For West Ham, however, hope remains in the free agent market. With both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd departing, Steidten has turned his attention to Joel Matip, who is currently without a club after leaving Liverpool.

So, while the Solet deal may have slipped through their fingers, West Ham could still add defensive reinforcements before too long.