West Ham United are reportedly keen to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this summer after Premier League rivals Newcastle United failed in an attempt to lure the 22-year-old to the northeast. However, the Irons could find themselves facing a major obstacle in their pursuit of the Dutchman.
What’s the story?
According to The Evening Standard, West Ham are tracking the centre-back ahead of a potential move in the summer.
However, it appears as though the 22-year-old would favour a move to Newcastle instead. Speaking to The Athletic last month, Magpies director Amanda Staveley revealed that Botman “desperately wanted to come” to Newcastle and apparently “still does very much”.
The Hammers will also have to battle Serie A leaders AC Milan, who have registered an interest in the Dutch defender.
David Moyes’ side are still very much in contention to secure European football for next season, and the remaining two months of the current campaign will prove to be a major signifier as to what calibre of player the club will be able to lure to the London Stadium this summer.
West Ham must swoop for Botman
Despite the off-field controversy surrounding the Frenchman, on the pitch Kurt Zouma has proven to be an impressive addition to Moyes’ squad after joining from Chelsea last summer for £29.8m.
However, the Irons have struggled to find a consistent partner for the 27-year-old, with the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop all featuring alongside Zouma this term, although the former was ruled out for the season in November with an ACL injury.
Finding a consistent first-choice centre-back pairing is a must for the Scotsman this summer, and Botman could prove to be the perfect fit. At 6 foot 4, the defender is a colossal presence who also boasts a plethora of experience for his age, making 105 senior career appearances at the age of just 22.
Moreover, the Dutchman was a kingpin in Lille’s famous Ligue 1 title success last year, seeing off PSG to be crowned champions of France.
Although Newcastle can offer an exciting project to Botman, they won’t be able to provide European football immediately, whereas West Ham still have time to secure their place in continental competition for next term.
Regardless of how this campaign ends for the east London outfit, qualifying for Europe will no doubt be the objective once again for next season, and solidifying a defence which has conceded 39 goals in 30 Premier League matches will be necessary.
The addition of Botman would certainly help West Ham’s cause, but the Irons need to convince the Dutchman to make the move to London rather than Tyneside or Milan.
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