West Ham United supporters will no doubt be feeling hugely disappointed with their 2024/25 campaign, falling way below the usual high standards they’ve set for themselves.
The Hammers currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League with just two games remaining of the 2024/25 campaign - a staggering 23 points off the Champions League places.
Graham Potter has so far been unable to turn around the early-season slump endured under former boss Julen Lopetegui, with this summer crucial if he’s to maintain his position at the helm.
West Ham United manager Graham Potter after the match
The former Chelsea boss only had part of the January window to make his own mark on the current squad, with the summer huge if he’s to be successful at the London Stadium.
With the window just around the corner, the hierarchy have already started work behind the scenes to provide the 49-year-old with the ammunition needed to improve the situation.
The latest on West Ham’s hunt for new signings this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, numerous players have been touted with a switch to West Ham, undoubtedly strengthening the options currently on the books.
Morten Frendrup and Liam Delap are just two names mentioned with a switch to the club, with both players improving the midfield and front line should they make the switch this summer.
Liam-Delap
However, a defender has been thrown into the mix in recent days in the form of Genoa’s Koni de Winter, with GIVEMESPORT naming the Hammers as one of the interested sides.
The report claims that Potter’s men have made an enquiry to the Serie A outfit over a deal for the 22-year-old, with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also in the race for his signature.
It also states that the Belgian international could be available for a fee in the region of £25m this summer, as the hierarchy looks to add youth to the first team squad.
Why West Ham’s £25m target could be Potter’s own Van Dijk
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been the leading defender in the Premier League over the last couple of years, leading the Reds to new heights after his £75m transfer.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk applauds fans before the match
The Dutch international has made over 300 appearances at Anfield, winning multiple major honours in the process, including the Premier League and the Champions League.
He’s also constantly posed a threat at the other end of the pitch, often popping up with a crucial goal or two - including in the recent 2-1 win over the Hammers in April.
However, Potter’s side could be about to land their own version of the superstar this summer in the form of De Winter, with the youngster having the tools to match his accomplishments.
The defender’s agent has previously claimed that he could be the next big star, matching Van Dijk’s high levels of performance, with a switch to England handing him that platform to succeed.
“In my opinion Koni can become a player like van Dijk, because he is already athletic and fast.
"He is technically very strong, he can easily be like a midfielder. Among the Juventus defenders, he is very similar to de Ligt.”
Koni de Winter's agent on his potential.
When comparing his stats to those of the Liverpool star, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas - highlighting what a superb addition he would be for the club.
De Winter, who’s been labelled “unreal” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has won more tackles per 90, achieving a higher tackle success rate - handing Potter the defensive quality his side have lacked this campaign.
How De Winter compares to Van Dijk in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Tackles won
% of tackles won
Successful take-ons
Recoveries made
Aerials won
Stats via FBref
He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, having the quality on the ball to play out from the back should the boss want his side to.
The Belgian has also matched Van Dijk for goals, whilst winning more aerial duels, handing the club the added threat at both ends of the pitch - improving the situation the Hammers find themselves in.
£25m for a player of De Winter’s quality would be an absolute bargain in today’s market, massively improving the options currently at Potter’s disposal at the London Stadium.
Should he manage to replicate the levels produced by the Liverpool star in the Premier League, it would be a phenomenal addition and one that could catapult the club back towards European success.
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West Ham United desperately need to land a new talisman this summer to bolster Graham Potter's squad.