West Ham United centre-half Kurt Zouma will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer. The Frenchman made over 100 appearances for the Hammers, scoring six times.
The defender spent this past season out on loan in the Saudi Pro League after being deemed surplus to requirements by former boss Julen Lopetegui.
Zouma’s exit, alongside the potential departure of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd, leaves the Irons a bit light in the centre of defence.
West Ham need a replacement for the former Chelsea man.
Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo are nailed-on starters, but West Ham need a quality defender to push both men for their starting berth this summer.
Read on as we analyse three potentially affordable defenders West Ham could sign to replace Zouma and bolster the rearguard.
Alexsandro Ribeiro (LOSC Lille)
LOSC Lille ace Alexsandro Ribeiro continues to fly under the radar despite being one of the best defenders in Ligue 1, and West Ham should take advantage to snap him up this summer.
The 25-year-old helped keep 10 clean sheets in 30 league appearances while winning 71% of his aerial and 58% of his ground duels.
Alexsandro staked his claim in the Brazilian national team with an assured debut under Carlo Ancelotti against Ecuador.
The rangy defender is an excellent reader of danger and shines on the ball.
Alexsandro will not be too expensive, considering there has not been much noise around him in the market, and he would be worth the punt for West Ham.
Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)
If West Ham are in the market for an underrated, physically robust defender with Premier League experience who is improving, Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah is the man.
At £25-30 million, Chalobah is a golden opportunity for the Hammers. Despite being arguably Chelsea’s most reliable defender this season, Chalobah remains undervalued at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old finds himself on the Chelsea chopping block, not because of performance, but because the club is chasing pure profit. West Ham need to capitalise.
Chalobah is a solid customer with experience winning European silverware and has grown in stature as a leader at Stamford Bridge. Nab him!
Sam Beukema (Bologna)
Sam Beukema has been part of a Bologna defence that defied the odds to secure successive Champions League slots. He helped them keep 11 clean sheets in the league on both occasions.
The Dutchman was a mainstay as they beat Milan to clinch the Coppa Italia and end their 51-year wait for a trophy. The 26-year-old is solid in the air and terrific on the ground.
His progressive passing and carrying numbers are also excellent. Beukema reads the game well, although he is not the quickest of customers. His positional sense allows him to cut out attacks.
Reports claim Bologna want €30 million to let him go, and West Ham should be looking to add Beukema to the roster.