West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo may look to bring in defensive reinforcements.placeholder image
West Ham United boss Nuno Espirito Santo may look to bring in defensive reinforcements. | Getty Images
West Ham United are looking to turn things around under Nuno Espirito Santo
West Ham should move for Sunderland target Jhon Lucumi
The belief was that Bologna and Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi would be moving to Sunderland in January, amidst renewed Black Cats interest after a £24 million bid was rejected in the summer. But as reports begin to emerge that the deal might be off, West Ham should step in to secure a man who could be a crucial signing for the club.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reported on X on Friday that Sunderland will not be resurrecting their interest in the 27-year-old in January, believed to be happy with their existing defensive options, with sources telling the reporter that Regis Le Bris’ side have “ended their interest”.
West Ham have struggled in defensive areas this season, particularly under Potter. While Nuno is known to be a more pragmatic manager who drills his defensive unit well, he can only do so much if he does not have the right quality of player available. There have been question marks alongside all of his centre-back options, with Konstantinos Mavropanos often currently first-choice to start alongside Max Kilman. The signing of Lucumi could see the Colombian international slot right into Nuno’s back four.
Lucumi signing could be game-changer for West Ham
West Ham need to become more defensively solid if they are to secure safety this season, and so bringing in a centre-back with the pedigree of Lucumi could go a long way to raising the Hammers’ standards at the back.
Not only did Lucumi win the Coppa Italia with Bologna last season, he regularly starts for his native Colombia and could be key in their World Cup campaign next summer, while he was named in The Athletic’s Serie A Team of the Season for 2024/25.
As a left-footed centre-back option, the 27-year-old could ultimately take Kilman’s place in the side. It can certainly be argued that he would be an upgrade. But he is comfortable playing in multiple defensive positions, including at left-back if need be. He would be a top-quality addition in January for an affordable fee, and could play a key role in ensuring West Ham remain a Premier League side come next season.
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