West Ham United is on the verge of making a significant signing in the form of Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson. The Danish defender has been described as “exemplary” by Jacek Kulig and has attracted interest from top European clubs, including Sevilla, Lille, and Bologna.
The Hammers are keen to strengthen their defense, particularly with Kurt Zouma potentially leaving the club. Nelsson’s impressive performances for Galatasaray have caught the attention of West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, who is looking to implement a new playing style at the club.
Nelsson’s stats are impressive, with the 25-year-old defender making 46 appearances for Galatasaray last season and contributing to 20 clean sheets. He is comfortable on the ball and has a strong passing range, which would suit West Ham’s new playing style.
A comparison of Nelsson’s stats with those of Zouma and Jean-Claire Todibo, West Ham’s current center-back options, highlights the Danish defender’s strengths. Nelsson averages more passes attempted per 90 minutes and has a higher pass completion rate than Zouma. Additionally, Nelsson wins more aerial duels than Todibo, despite being slightly shorter.
West Ham’s interest in Nelsson is part of the club’s efforts to revamp its defense and implement Lopetegui’s playing style. The Hammers have already signed several new players this summer, including Todibo, and are looking to offload some of its fringe players to make way for new signings.
The signing of Nelsson would be a significant coup for West Ham, and a testament to its ambition to challenge for European qualification this season. The club’s willingness to pay a fee of around £12m for his services demonstrates its commitment to strengthening its defense.
However, the deal is dependent on West Ham selling some of its current players. The club is looking to offload fringe players to make way for new signings and to balance its books.
Nelsson’s arrival would provide West Ham with a strong and comfortable defender who can play out from the back. His passing range and ability to win aerial duels would make him a valuable asset to the team.
In conclusion, West Ham United’s interest in Victor Nelsson is a significant development in the club’s efforts to strengthen its defense. The Danish defender’s impressive stats and ability to play out from the back make him an attractive signing for the Hammers. If the deal can be completed, it would be a major coup for West Ham and a testament to its ambition to challenge for European qualification this season.