Santo can barely afford to plan for the summerplaceholder image
Santo can barely afford to plan for the summer | AFP via Getty Images
West Ham are said to be tracking a defender who could well become a free agent this summer.
West Ham are going to have to have two different transfer strategies heading into the summer. Clubs usually start their recruitment planning months in advance, but when you don’t know which league you are going to be in, it makes things much more difficult.
The Hammers may well have two different strategies, one for each of the leagues they might find themselves in. Those two plans will look very different, with significant exits and cheaper signings likely in the case of relegation.
In contrast, the Hammers will want to keep hold of their best stars and strengthen to avoid another relegation battle next season. One player who may be a part of that strategy is FC Utrecht defender Souffian El Karouani, who is reportedly of interest to the Iron.
According to Africa Foot, West Ham and Leeds United are pushing for a deal to sign the left-back, who is a Dutch-born Morocco international. The full-back is out of contract this summer and is said to be unlikely to pen an extension as he looks to make a step up.
He has made 38 appearances across all competitions this season and remarkably has 16 assists from full-back, also contributing three goals. West Ham are said to have enquired about a deal in the winter window, but a summer deal could now be in the offing.
The report states that there is no concrete offer from either club at this stage, but one could develop. Both sides are already able to reach out to the player to try to agree a pre-contract ahead of the summer.
West Ham signed Malick El-Hadji Diouf last summer but could move to add competition on the left side. Though, if Leeds secure survival as expected and West Ham do not, the Yorkshire club will naturally hold an advantage in the race.
Continue Reading