After a difficult start to the season under the leadership of the new coach Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United They have reportedly set their sights on signing the Champions League winner who could arrive for a bargain price.
West Ham transfer news
The Hammers splashed money in the summer transfer window, welcoming the likes of Crescencio Somerville, Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo. But Lopetegui's first campaign in office was to no avail, and he only began to save his job in recent weeks after a turbulent period.
Hammers have been associated with names such as Massimiliano AllegriBut those at the London Stadium appear to be sticking with their summer selection for now.
After draws with in-form Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as wins over Wolverhampton Wanderers to go three games unbeaten, the decision has so far been justified.
With Lopetegui's job looking secure at the moment, the Hammers now appear ready to turn their attention towards the January transfer window and potentially reach a bargain deal.
According to reports from Spain. West Ham have set their sights on signing Hakim Ziyech In the January transfer window, with the Galatasaray winger likely to terminate his current contract with the Turkish giants to become a free agent next month.
In what could be a free transfer, West Ham could welcome Ziyech back into the team Premier League Just six months after leaving London rivals Chelsea on a permanent basis.
Related to
A move that would steal the headlines could be worth the gamble for those at the London Stadium. While Ziyech is 31 and now arguably past the peak of his powers, the possibility of securing the signature of such a player without having to spend big money on a transfer fee is a possibility the Hammers may not be able to resist.
The “decisive” Ziyech may return to haunt Chelsea
If they need further incentive to pursue the signing of Ziyech, the fact that the Moroccan could return to haunt London rivals Chelsea should help tip the scales. The Galatasaray winger certainly brings a lot of experience to the table too, having become a Champions League winner when Chelsea defeated Manchester City in the 2021 final. This experience could be vital for a number of sides.
Ultimately, Ziyech endured a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge and one that ended in more whimsy than anything else. However, at his best, the former Ajax man has earned high praise from the former manager Thomas TuchelWho told reporters via The Independent in 2021: “The attitude he got here in was absolutely the right attitude to grow and show character, and that's what he did.
“He was fantastic from day one. He was decisive in every friendly match we played and he was decisive in the first official match, in the final against Villarreal.”