Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 6 March 2025 12:10, UK
West Ham United are among a host of clubs vying for the signature of Club Brugge full-back Maxim De Cuyper.
De Cuyper boasts a familiar name to followers of the English game, as he has plied his trade against both Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Champions League this season.
The left-back played against both Villa and City during the inaugural league phase of this year’s competition, before scoring Club Brugge’s solitary goal during their 3-1 defeat to the West Midlands club in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
West Ham boss Graham Potter (Credit: Imago)
De Cuyper transfer fee revealed amid West Ham interest
The Club Brugge man fired an impressive effort past Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez on Tuesday, which temporarily levelled the scores before a late own goal from Brandon Mechele and Marco Asensio’s goal secured a 3-1 win for Unai Emery’s men.
De Cuyper’s performances in both the Champions League and the Belgian top-flight this term have caught the eye of Premier League duo West Ham and Arsenal, as well as Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus.
Maxim De Cuyper 2024/25 Champions League stats
Appearances 11
Starts 11
Tackles won 13
Duels won 45
Pass accuracy % 83.6
Goals 1
De Cuyper has performed well in the Champions League for Club Brugge
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Italian outlet Corriero dello Sport have reported [6 March] that AC Milan are considering a £16.8m (€20m) offer for the defender, whose price tag is said to have shot up after his goal this week.
Amid competition from the likes of Arsenal, Milan and Juventus, West Ham will have to act fast in order to secure De Cuyper’s signature.
The only signing the Hammers have made since Graham Potter took the managerial reins in January was that of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, who joined on loan from the Seagulls.
West Ham's London Stadium
London Stadium, home of West Ham United
De Cuyper signing could spark exciting summer window for West Ham
West Ham have won three of the eight games new boss Potter has taken charge of, including back-to-back wins over Arsenal and Leicester City in their last two games.
Recent performances have demonstrated that exciting times could be up ahead for the Hammers under Potter’s stewardship, while the summer transfer window hands the former Brighton boss a key opportunity to bring his own players to East London.
If West Ham manage to land a deal for the De Cuyper, it would be a thoroughly exciting development as the 24-year-old still boasts bags of potential and has already shown his capabilities at Champions League level this term.
Under Potter, the Hammers will look to challenge for the European spots next season after they won the Conference League title under former boss David Moyes back in 2023.
De Cuyper could be an ideal signing to boost West Ham’s European credentials, while he is already familiar with English opponents Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Related Posts