Sport Nation 2As the summer transfer window closed, West Ham United’s interest in Belgian defender Zeno Debast has come under scrutiny. Reports from last season indicated that the Hammers were keen on acquiring the young centre-back, with Portuguese media outlets A Bola and Mais Futebol highlighting West Ham’s intent to compete with Sporting CP and Napoli for his signature.
However, Debast ultimately transferred from Anderlecht to Sporting in July 2024 and has since made eight appearances for his new club. Ahead of Sporting’s upcoming Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, Debast addressed the speculation surrounding a potential move to West Ham.
Reflecting on his time at Anderlecht, Debast noted that he had been open about his future aspirations. “I’ve always been very transparent with Anderlecht about my future. It was time to convert fifteen years of training into a nice transfer,” he stated. He emphasized that he wanted a smooth transition to a new club, preferring arrangements for housing and transportation to be settled before he arrived.
When asked directly about the links to West Ham, Debast clarified: “I visited several clubs, but West Ham were not among them.” He explained that his decision to join Sporting was influenced by his immediate connection with the club, citing conversations with current players and his positive meeting with head coach Rúben Amorim. Debast expressed his admiration for Sporting as a “family club” that prioritizes player welfare through injury prevention and nutritional guidance.
In summary, Debast’s comments suggest that there was no serious approach from West Ham during the summer transfer window, effectively putting an end to the speculation surrounding his potential move to the Premier League club. As he settles into his role at Sporting, Debast’s focus remains on his development and contributions in the Champions League and domestic competitions.
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