Dimitri Colau found himself reunited with a very familiar face when the former Paris FC starlet completed his move to Premier League outfit West Ham United on the final day of the summer transfer window.
Understandably, his arrival went somewhat under the radar.
While Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa joined for big money on Friday – the midfield duo set West Ham United back a combined fee in the region of £55 million – teenager Colau will initially play for Mark Robson’s Under-21 side with his 20th birthday still five months away.
West Ham entered advanced talks regarding Dimitri Colau on the same day that Fernandes and fellow Frenchman Magassa put pen to paper.
Some 72 hours later, the versatile defender completed a move that sees him renew acquaintances with Mohamadou Kante in East London.
Paris FC's West Ham United-bound defender Dimitri Colau
Photo by JULIE SEBADELHA/AFP via Getty Images
Dimitri Colau on what Mohamadou Kante told him about West Ham United
Another who made his name at Ligue 1 newcomers Paris FC, Kante is enjoying an excellent start at West Ham.
The powerhouse midfielder technically joined the Hammers back in 2024 but his trip across the Channel was delayed for a further 12 months as he spent last season on loan at his old employers.
Such has been the extent of his impact on the Premier League 2 stage, Under-21 boss Robson drew comparisons with Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira last month.
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Now, first-team head coach Graham Potter feels it is too early to label Kante the second coming of one of the finest midfielders of his generation. Yet, an explosive beginning to life in the claret and blue jersey is something Colau will be hoping to replicate as he too makes the switch from the French capital to it’s English cousin.
West Ham United is pleased to announce that young French defender Dimitri Colau has joined the Club’s U21 squad from Ligue 1 club Paris FC ✍️
Welcome, Dimitri ⚒️
— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 2, 2025
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“Mo and I have been teammates throughout our time with the Paris FC Academy,” Colau tells the club’s official website. “He spoke to me about the club before I arrived.
“He spoke very highly of how he’d been welcomed in, the facilities and that the sessions have been really good, of really high quality. I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to get started.”
West Ham United FC v Nottingham Forest FC - Premier League
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Former France youth star may have shades of Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Kante played his part as Paris FC ended their near-50-year exile from France’s top division. Colau, however, was restricted to only one Ligue 2 appearance due to the sort of injury issues he is now hoping to put behind him.
Colau’s description of his own style of play also brings to mind a current member of Potter’s first-team crop; one Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
A right-sided full-back who prides himself more on his defensive talents than his attacking output.
“I was delighted to make my debut during the 2023/24 campaign, but last season was a bit complicated with injuries,” the former France Under-16 international adds. “I started the season with the pros, but I alternated between injuries and being back on the pitch, so mid-season I decided to have surgery.
“I’m back now and raring to go.”
“I’m a full-back, but during my formative years I played as a centre-back,” adds a defender who could become Robson’s first-choice right-back following Junior Robinson’s deadline day loan move to Scottish side Livingston.
“For the last two seasons though, I’ve played full-back. I’d say I’m more defensive than offensive, but I can also push forward.
“If I had to describe myself as a player, I’d say I’m a fighter. I always give it my all. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help my teammates. We’re here to win.”