West Ham’s defensive issues this season have been well documented — and it appears the club are already lining up reinforcements ahead of the summer.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Hammers are preparing a move for Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza as they look to strengthen their backline.
The 26-year-old came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, joining the Catalan giants as a youngster in 2007 and progressing through the ranks before stepping up to Barcelona B in 2018.
Mingueza made his senior debut in November 2020 during a 4–0 Champions League victory over Dynamo Kyiv, where he earned praise for a “brilliant” display. Despite making 66 first-team appearances for Barcelona, he struggled to cement himself as a long-term starter and moved to Celta Vigo in 2022.
Since arriving in Galicia, however, he has flourished.
Oscar Mingueza. (Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
Oscar Mingueza. (Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
Comfortable at centre-back and right-back, Mingueza has become a key figure for Celta, racking up 129 appearances, scoring seven goals and contributing 13 assists — impressive numbers for a defender.
Fichajes claim West Ham view the Spaniard as a major target and have made him an “absolute priority” for the upcoming transfer window, identifying him as a versatile option capable of filling multiple roles across the defence.
However, there is a significant caveat.
Any formal move is said to depend on West Ham securing Premier League survival. Should they avoid relegation, the club would be ready to push forward. If not, rivals including Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Juventus are reportedly advancing their interest in the four-cap Spain international.
For the Hammers, Mingueza would represent both quality and tactical flexibility — exactly what has been lacking at times this season. But first, their fate in the Premier League must be decided.