It is not every day that West Ham United are linked with a former Barcelona player.
The idea of swapping the sunshine of Spain for east London might seem unusual, but it has happened before.
Players such as Javier Mascherano and Alexandre Song represented both clubs during their careers, while current Hammers stars Adama Traoré and Jean-Clair Todibo have also spent time at the Catalan giants.
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Now another former Barcelona defender could be preparing for a move to the Premier League, and West Ham have long been keeping tabs on him.
Mingueza Set for Premier League Move
Oscar Mingueza. (Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Oscar Mingueza. (Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Celta Vigo defender Óscar Mingueza could be on the move this summer, potentially ending West Ham’s long-standing interest in the Spanish international.
According to Diario AS, the 26-year-old is planning to change his representation and is expected to reject a contract extension at Celta Vigo as he prepares for a possible switch to England.
West Ham previously tracked Mingueza during last summer’s transfer window, and the versatile defender has even spoken positively about the Hammers in the past, describing them as a “great team.”
Capable of playing both at centre-back and right-back, Mingueza’s experience in La Liga and with Barcelona has made him an attractive option for clubs seeking defensive depth.
However, whether West Ham ultimately land their long-term target remains uncertain, with several teams believed to be watching the situation closely.
Agent Change Signals Potential Exit
Part of the reason speculation around Mingueza has intensified is his decision to move on from his long-time agent, Josep Maria Orobitg. The change in representation is widely seen as a step toward facilitating a transfer this summer.
Celta Vigo had initially been optimistic about convincing the defender to sign a new deal, but that confidence now appears to have faded. Reports suggest Juventus attempted to sign Mingueza during the January transfer window, though a deal never materialised. The latest indications point toward the Premier League as the most likely destination.
While the Spanish outlet does not directly name West Ham among the frontrunners this time around, Aston Villa have been mentioned as a possible landing spot. Still, the Hammers’ previous interest means they could easily re-enter the race if the opportunity arises.
With the summer transfer window approaching and Mingueza seemingly preparing for a move, West Ham may yet revive their pursuit. Having former Barcelona teammate Adama Traoré already at the London Stadium could even help persuade the defender that east London would be the right next step in his career.