A defender frequently linked with a move to the Premier League and West Ham United just happens to be Manuel Pellegrini’s number one summer target for Real Betis.
It is a battle the former London Stadium boss is well on his way to winning.
Kevin Lomonaco was reportedly a target for West Ham United in the summer of 2025. In fact, it was even claimed back in June that West Ham were set to make Independiente an offer, though suggestions of a bid were later rebuffed in Argentina.
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Malick Diouf playing for West Ham against Newcastle United. Mateus Fernandes playing for West Ham against Tottenham.
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One year later, amid uncertainty surrounding Axel Disasi’s future, the 6ft 4ins South American colossus has returned to the gossip columns
Though as ABC de Sevilla explain, everything right now is pointing to Lomonaco wearing the green and white of Real Betis alongside Pablo Fornals under the watchful eye of Manuel Pellegrini.
Real Betis set to sign West Ham United-linked Kevin Lomonaco
ABC de Sevilla claim that Real Betis are ‘very close’ to making Lomonaco their first signing for the 2026/27 campaign. The La Plata-born 24-year-old is keen on a move to the Europa League-chasing Verdiblancos.
Kevin Lomonaco during Paraguay v Argentina - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019
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What’s more, Real Betis have their foot firmly pressed down on the accelerator, with no intention of dropping the pace.
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While West Ham are in no position to negotiate at this stage – the Hammers don’t even know what division they will be in come August – Betis are leaving nothing to chance.
‘Betis wants to finalise the signing of Lomonaco quickly,” ABC write, “to prevent other clubs from getting ahead in the race for this centre-back, who has attracted many suitors in recent months.”
Lomonaco had a £17 million release clause in his contract last year. Now, Independiente are reportedly willing to sell for a knock-down fee of around £9 million.
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El Hadji Malick Diouf and Jarrod Bowen celebrate Fulham v West Ham United - Premier League
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Axel Disasi future uncertain as Chelsea set their price-tag
While he would not explain his admiration for the 2023 Conference League winners, Kevin Lomonaco opened up on his admiration for West Ham in an interview with Olga around 12 months ago.
Was this his way of telling us, in a less-than subtle manner, that the Hammers had been in touch regarding a potential move to East London?
At this rate, though, Lomonaco will be a Real Betis player before West Ham even discover their fate; the Premier League relegation battle expected to go down to the wire.
According to reports, Chelsea may sell Axel Disasi for just £20 million, though a permanent deal is dependent on survival.
Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis is a potential alternative to the five-time France international.
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