“High ALERT” – West Ham and 3 other top Premier League clubs show interest in star 24-year-old player as he officially becomes a Free agent today. West Ham is setting plans to sign him in the next transfer window.

French defender Oumar Solet has become one of the most sought-after free agents in the transfer market, following the unexpected termination of his contract with Red Bull Salzburg. Solet, a 24-year-old former France Under-20 international, was released by the Austrian club in September 2024, a year before his contract was set to expire. His sudden availability has put several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and West Ham United, on high alert.

Solet’s departure from Salzburg came as a surprise to many. He joined the Austrian giants from Lyon in 2020 and quickly established himself as a key player. During his time at Salzburg, Solet helped the club secure two Austrian Bundesliga titles and two domestic cups. His towering presence in defense, combined with his speed and physicality, made him a standout performer in the Austrian league.

Premier League Interest in Solet

Solet’s availability has attracted significant interest from clubs across Europe, but the Premier League appears to be his most likely destination. Aston Villa, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Wolves are all reportedly interested in bringing the 6ft 4in center-back to England. Each of these clubs has room in their 25-man squad for an additional player, making the acquisition of a free agent like Solet an attractive proposition.

West Ham, in particular, have been linked with Solet for some time. The Hammers had previously identified him as an alternative to Jean-Clair Todibo, who they ultimately signed from Juventus. Despite securing Todibo, West Ham’s interest in Solet has not waned, and they remain open to adding the Frenchman to their defensive ranks.

Aston Villa, too, are keen on strengthening their defense, and Solet’s experience and versatility make him an appealing option for manager Unai Emery. The Villans have been monitoring the defender’s situation closely and could make a move to secure his services in the coming weeks.

Why Did Salzburg Terminate Solet’s Contract?

The decision by Red Bull Salzburg to terminate Solet’s contract a year before its expiration has raised questions. Typically, clubs would prefer to sell a player rather than release them for free, especially when there is clear interest from other teams. However, reports suggest that an agreement had been reached between Solet and Salzburg to allow him to leave in the summer of 2023.

Solet was initially set to join German club Hoffenheim during the summer transfer window, but the move collapsed at the last minute. This left the defender in a state of uncertainty, and Salzburg ultimately decided to part ways with him by mutual consent. The reason for this decision remains unclear, but it has certainly worked to Solet’s advantage, as he now has the freedom to choose his next destination without the constraints of a transfer fee.

A Career on the Rise

Despite the unexpected end to his time at Salzburg, Solet’s career is far from stalled. He has been on the radar of top European clubs for some time, thanks to his performances in Austria and his potential to succeed in one of Europe’s top leagues. Standing at 6ft 4in with impressive speed and physicality, Solet is well-suited to the demands of the Premier League and the Bundesliga.

In an interview with Foot Mercato last year, Solet expressed his admiration for the Premier League, citing its intensity and competitiveness as factors that align with his playing style. “England and Germany seem to be leagues that could suit me in terms of my qualities,” Solet said. “I like the Premier League. It’s a championship with a lot of intensity, and I like that. I find that my physical qualities—my size, my speed, and the fact that I am tough in duels—mean that I could see myself there.”

This self-assessment has only heightened the interest from Premier League clubs, with Solet’s attributes seen as a perfect fit for the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of English football.

The Premier League Clubs in Pursuit

Among the Premier League clubs interested in Solet, West Ham and Aston Villa appear to be the frontrunners. West Ham’s pursuit of a right-sided center-back has been ongoing, and while they managed to secure the signing of Todibo, Solet remains an appealing option to further bolster their defensive depth. With the Hammers competing in European competitions, manager David Moyes is keen to have a strong squad capable of handling the demands of both domestic and international fixtures.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, have also been proactive in the transfer market, and Solet could be a valuable addition to their squad. Villa’s defensive options have been tested in recent months, and the acquisition of a versatile player like Solet would provide Emery with greater flexibility in his defensive setup.

Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also monitoring Solet’s situation closely. Both clubs have shown an interest in strengthening their defensive lines, and Solet’s availability as a free agent makes him an attractive option.

Competition from European Clubs

While Premier League clubs are at the forefront of the race to sign Solet, they are not alone in their pursuit. European clubs, including Marseille, Anderlecht, and Inter Milan, have all expressed interest in the French defender. Marseille, under the guidance of Roberto de Zerbi, are in the process of rebuilding their squad and have identified Solet as a potential target. Meanwhile, Anderlecht and Inter Milan are both looking to reinforce their defenses and see Solet as a valuable addition.

Despite the interest from these European clubs, Solet has made it clear that he sees the Premier League as an ideal destination for his next career move. The physical demands and intensity of the league, coupled with its global reputation, make it an appealing prospect for the Frenchman.

Solet’s Future: What’s Next?

Oumar Solet’s future remains uncertain, but it is clear that he will not be a free agent for long. With several Premier League clubs and top European sides vying for his signature, the French defender is in a strong position to choose his next move carefully. His physical attributes, combined with his experience in top-flight European football, make him a valuable asset for any club looking to strengthen its defense.

As the Premier League clubs prepare for the next phase of the season, the addition of a player like Solet could provide a significant boost to their squads. Whether it’s Aston Villa, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, or Wolves, whichever club manages to secure Solet’s services will be adding a defender with immense potential and the ability to make an immediate impact.

In the meantime, Solet can reflect on his time at Red Bull Salzburg with pride. Despite the abrupt end to his contract, he leaves the Austrian club with a wealth of experience and a winning mentality, having played a key role in their domestic successes. Now, as a free agent, Solet is ready to embark on the next chapter of his career, and the Premier League could be his next destination.