In one of the summer’s least surprising developments so far, it has now been confirmed that a Serie A forward reportedly on the radars of Premier League duo West Ham United and Nottingham Forest is indeed up for sale.
Juventus coach Igor Tudor confirmed as much on Friday night.
The Bianconeri have already offered Daniele Rugani to West Ham United – though it is understood that the five-time Serie A champion is not London Stadium-bound as the Hammers pursue younger options – but Samuel Mbangula may be an opportunity Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay are more inclined to take.
According to reports, West Ham had a bid rejected by Juventus in the region of £8 million during the January transfer window.
Thanks partly to Crysencio Summerville’s long-running injury issues – he has not been seen since January – the Hammers appear to be in the market for a left-winger capable of easing the creative burden on Jarrod Bowen’s shoulders.
Mbangula, just 21 years of age and with four goals and five assists during his breakout season at Juventus, certainly ticks a few of those boxes.
Samuel Mbangula in action during Cagliari v Juventus - Serie A
Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images
Igor Tudor confirms Juventus want to sell West Ham United-linked Samuel Mbangula
Alongside Tim Weah, Samuel Mbangula was nowhere to be seen as Juventus suffered a 5-2 hammering by Manchester City in the Club World Cup this week.
Now, Nottingham Forest had hoped to sign Mbangula and Weah in a £17 million double deal. Weah has since rejected a switch to the City Ground, the USA utility man hoping to secure himself a spot in Igor Tudor’s plans.
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It appears that he, and fellow wideman Mbangula, are fighting a losing battle though.
“We preferred not to call them up for market reasons,” the former Lazio and Marseille boss explained when asked why both players were left out of the squad for that Man City drubbing.
“That’s enough.”
Mbangula exploded onto the scene at Juventus a year ago. He made his Serie A debut on the opening match of the 2024/25 season and capped it in style, curling a wonderful effort into the Como net.
Unfortunately, the departure of head coach Thiago Motta after a brief and rather underwhelming spell at the Allianz Stadium appears to have been something of a turning point for Mbangula.
And for all the wrong reasons.
“I am very happy with Mbangula,” Motta said during his stint in the Juve dugout. “He presses, he dribbles, he scores goals. He always has a fantastic attitude, he always gives everything.”
James Ward-Prowse backs Crysencio Summerville to prove Hammers doubters wrong
The aforementioned Summerville is expected to step up his return from a season-ending hamstring injury during the summer break. One of a number of highly-expensive players yet to justify their hefty price-tags, West Ham teammate James Ward-Prowse remains convinced in Crysencio Summerville.
He is backing both Summerville and £27 million striker Niclas Fullkrug to bounce back stronger than ever in 2025/26.
“Injuries happen. That is part and parcel of football,” the England international tells The Standard of two players who made a combined 13 Premier League starts last term.
“But they work hard to put things right. And, when they’re fully fit, I’m sure they’ll have a great impact on the team.”