West Ham United may pursue a major defensive target in the January transfer window.placeholder image
West Ham United may pursue a major defensive target in the January transfer window. | AFP via Getty Images
Early transfer news is beginning to emerge for West Ham United ahead of an important Janaury window
West Ham United won for the first time in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo on Sunday, as Newcastle United were put to the sword in a comeback 3-1 win to inject new life into the London Stadium and leave Alan Shearer fuming.
There remains major work to be done at the Hammers, who are still three points from safety and have picked up just seven points from their first ten league games. A true six-pointer against Burnley is next up, in a match which could see West Ham all-but climb out of the bottom three or equally could sink them further into trouble.
The Hammers have been especially fragile in defensive areas so far this campaign, and Nuno has had to contend with an ageing, out-of-form squad which might be in need of some renewed impetus in the January transfer window. A top target has emerged as Nuno considers his options ahead of what could be an important winter window.
West Ham battling Atalanta for in-demand La Liga defender
According to reports by Fichajes, West Ham are set to compete with Serie A outfit Atalanta in a bid to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza in the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old is out of contract in summer 2026 and so may be available for a major cut-price €8million (£7m) fee, a distinct reduction on his €20m (£17.5m) release clause as the La Liga outfit fear losing him for free next summer. Celta have already ‘received interest’ from both the Hammers and Atalanta ahead of the winter window.
West Ham are cited as being the ‘most determined’ to secure the four-cap Spain international’s signature, considering the defensive frailties which have seen the Hammers marooned in the relegation zone for almost the entirety of this season so far, leading to Nuno requesting ‘urgent reinforcements’ to his defensive unit. A cut-price deal for former Barcelona star Mingueza, who is versatile enough to play at centre-back and full-back, is seen as a great market opportunity for a player who would ‘fit perfectly’ into the Portuguese’s system and instantly elevate his defensive options.
Celta are reluctant to part ways with the Spaniard, who has started nine times for them this season, but may feel they have no choice if a new contract is not agreed in time for January.
‘Nothing is done’ - Nuno reflects after West Ham win
"It feels really good,” he said. “We are happy and proud of the way we played the game. The boys did amazingly and the reaction of the team was amazing.
"We had a lot of moments against us but it was a fantastic reaction. Off the ball is what concerns me the most and I think we took a good step in the way we wanted. This means a lot to us, but nothing is done. We have a lot of work to do and we will start trying to improve more next week."
With the Portuguese’s comments in mind, securing reinforcements in the January transfer window could yet be the difference as the Hammers look to elevate to new standards of performance across the park. The Hammers may be one of the most active sides in the winter window, with further transfer links likely to arrive in the coming weeks.
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