West Ham United’s January transfer plans have taken on extra urgency as their Premier League campaign continues to wobble.
The Hammers remain entrenched in the relegation zone, defensive frailties have been exposed week after week, and even after signing attacking recruits like Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos, the need to strengthen at the back is glaring.
With the clock ticking on the winter window, West Ham are said to be stepping up their pursuit of a new centre-half to try and shore up the leakiest defence in the division.
West Ham Lead Man City in Race for Lucumi
Jhon Lucumi. (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca)
Jhon Lucumi. (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca)
According to Calciomercato IT, West Ham are now competing with Manchester City to land Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí before the January transfer deadline.
The Colombian international has been turning heads in Serie A with his consistent performances, and his profile has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
While Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have been linked with defensive reinforcements — especially amid injury concerns at the Etihad — it’s the Hammers who are reported to be pushing hardest for Lucumí this month.
Lucumí, 27, has built a reputation in Italy after moving to Bologna from Genk in 2022, making nearly 100 appearances in all competitions and earning praise from Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano, who called him a “phenomenon.”
West Ham’s interest in Lucumí aligns with their need for immediate defensive quality — a player who can complement their existing options and help arrest the slide that has seen them leak goals at an alarming rate.