Sport Nation 2West Ham United is actively pursuing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Carlos Soler as the summer transfer window nears its end. The club has already made eight signings this summer, but they are eager to bring in additional reinforcements before the window closes. However, the potential acquisition of Soler hinges on West Ham’s ability to offload some of their current players to balance the books and create room in the squad.
West Ham’s Transfer Strategy
West Ham’s summer transfer activity has been extensive, with eight new players already added to the squad. The club’s management, led by new head coach Julen Lopetegui, has been keen on strengthening various positions. Despite the flurry of activity, there is a consensus among the club’s insiders that more signings are needed, particularly in the midfield and attacking areas.
Lopetegui, who took charge of West Ham this season, faced a challenging start with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in their Premier League opener. Although there were moments of promise, the match highlighted that some of West Ham’s older players may no longer be up to the required standard. As a result, the club is looking to bring in younger, more dynamic options to improve the squad’s overall quality.
Carlos Soler as a Key Target
Carlos Soler, a 27-year-old Spanish international, has emerged as a top target for West Ham. Soler, who joined PSG from Valencia in 2022, is versatile, capable of playing both defensive and attacking midfield roles. He is also known for his set-piece abilities, making him a valuable asset for any team. Lopetegui reportedly appreciates Soler’s profile and is eager to bring him to the London Stadium.
Negotiations between West Ham and PSG have been ongoing, with both clubs discussing the terms of a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option. The proposed transfer fee is expected to be around £15-17 million, which would represent a modest profit for PSG, who paid approximately £15 million to acquire Soler from Valencia.
Financial Considerations and Player Exits
The primary obstacle to completing the Soler deal is West Ham’s need to balance their financial books. The club must offload some high-earning players to make room for Soler’s wages and transfer fee. Among those targeted for departure are defenders Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, as well as Maxwel Cornet and Danny Ings. These players are considered expendable by the club, and their exits would free up significant wage space.
Kurt Zouma, in particular, is a key figure in these plans. The French defender is currently one of the highest earners at the club, with a weekly wage of £125,000. Finding a new club for Zouma would be crucial in freeing up the necessary funds to secure Soler’s services. Nayef Aguerd, who is also represented by the same agency as Zouma, is another player whose departure could facilitate the Soler deal.
Dubai Agent Involvement
Efforts to move Zouma and Aguerd out of West Ham have intensified, with a Dubai-based agent, Mounir Sidhoum of Cantera Sports Agency, working to find new clubs for the pair. Sidhoum is reportedly in talks with several Middle Eastern clubs, hoping to secure transfers that would ease West Ham’s financial constraints and allow the club to proceed with the Soler deal.
The involvement of a Dubai agent suggests that West Ham is exploring opportunities in the Middle East, where clubs have the financial resources to take on the high wages of players like Zouma and Aguerd. If successful, these moves would be a significant step towards completing the signing of Soler.
The Final Push for Transfers
With only ten days left in the transfer window, West Ham is under pressure to finalize these deals. The club’s management remains optimistic about their chances of landing Soler, but much depends on the speed and success of their player sales. Should West Ham manage to offload Zouma or Aguerd, fans can expect an announcement regarding Soler’s arrival soon after.
West Ham’s focus on balancing their squad by offloading surplus players and bringing in new talent highlights the club’s strategic approach to the transfer market. Lopetegui’s vision for the team involves building a squad that is not only competitive in the Premier League but also capable of making a mark in European competitions.
Potential Impact of Soler’s Signing
If West Ham successfully signs Carlos Soler, it would be a significant coup for the club. Soler’s versatility would provide Lopetegui with more tactical flexibility, allowing him to deploy the midfielder in various roles depending on the opposition. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively would also enhance West Ham’s midfield options, complementing the existing talents of players like Lucas Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse.
Moreover, Soler’s experience at the highest levels of European football, including his time at PSG and in international competitions with Spain, would bring valuable experience to a West Ham side looking to push for higher honors. His set-piece expertise would be an added bonus, providing another dimension to West Ham’s attacking play.
Conclusion
As the transfer window draws to a close, West Ham United is working diligently to complete their business. The potential signing of Carlos Soler from PSG represents the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest levels. However, the success of this deal is contingent on West Ham’s ability to offload several high-earning players.
The next few days will be crucial for the club as they navigate the complexities of the transfer market. Should they succeed in their efforts, West Ham fans can look forward to the arrival of a player who could make a significant impact on their season. The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape West Ham’s prospects for the 2024/2025 campaign and beyond.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
