Graham Potter’s West Ham United have reportedly initiated talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfield mainstay Exequiel Palacios.
West Ham United are looking to add more quality to their midfield, and they are interested in the services of Exequiel Palacios. According to a report from Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, the Hammers have opened talks to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star.
After coming up the ranks at River Plate and making a name for himself while playing for their first team, Palacios joined Leverkusen at the start of 2020. He has only gone from strength to strength since.
The 26-year-old midfielder was a part of the Argentine team that won the World Cup in 2022. He also played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 season, where they won a domestic double under Xabi Alonso.
While he still has three years left on his deal at the German club, Exequiel Palacios seems to have gone down the pecking order under new boss Erik ten Hag. He could potentially be available on loan, and West Ham are looking to make the most out of it.
West Ham in talks to sign Palacios
West Ham United see Exequiel Palacios as a high-calibre option to bolster Potter’s squad. The former Chelsea boss is already under pressure, having lost the first two league games. His eight-month-long spell at the London stadium hasn’t gone according to plan, and the next few fixtures could have a big say on his future.
He is keen to have world-class quality in central areas, and the World Cup winner can certainly help his cause. The Hammers have already knocked on Leverkusen’s door to learn more about a potential transfer.
While the London club have opened talks to sign the 26-year-old, they do have a race against time as the transfer window ends in less than a week.
The player still has his prime years ahead of him and could well be interested in a move to the Premier League. Not only would he have the chance to play in one of the biggest leagues, but Palacios could also enjoy a prominent role in Potter’s team, something he might not get under Ten Hag.