West Ham target would be a shrewd acquisition if they can strike £12.7m deal – view
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West Ham United are in active talks with Belgian club OH Leuven over a potential move for 19-year-old midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi, Standard Sport reports.
The promising Dutch youth international has caught the attention of the Premier League side, who are eager to secure his services this month.
Leuven reportedly value Banzuzi at approximately £12.7 million, though no formal agreement has been reached between the two clubs.
The Netherlands youth international is in the final 18 months of his contract, so the Belgian side are open to a sale.
They want to cash in on the midfielder rather than lose him on a free transfer but will only sanction a sale if the price meets their expectations.
Banzuzi has been hailed as one of the best young talents in the Belgian top flight. He has been making waves as one of Dutch football’s rising stars.
West Ham hope to add him to their squad as part of their plans for long-term success. Discussions between the two clubs are ongoing, with the Hammers pushing to finalize the deal before the transfer window closes.
Banzuzi could be a useful signing for West Ham
Banzuzi has been one of Leuven’s standout performers this season.
He has played in all but one of Leuven’s 22 league games, notching a goal and five assists. He also has a goal in two Croky Cup games.
Banzuzi has created four big chances, but his defensive metrics have been truly eye-catching.
The talented midfielder averages 2.2 tackles, four ball recoveries, and 1.5 clearances per game. He has also won 53% of his ground duels and an impressive 58% of his battles in the air.
Banzuzi is a towering, powerful, all-action midfielder who could excel in Graham Potter’s squad, and he would be a useful addition if West Ham can agree a deal.
However, the Hammers should be prioritising the addition of a striker to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch, which is a more pressing concern given their injury woes.
