West Ham could lose out on their ideal Ben Johnson replacement to bitter rivals if they don’t act fast.
After having an already thin squad heading into the transfer window, it’s worrying how much thinner it’s got already. While Angelo Ogbonna has hardly featured over the past season, losing Ben Johnson on a free transfer to Ipswich is a massive loss. It not only means they lose out on a quality, homegrown player but it also means they’ve got to sign yet another player.
The Hammers already desperately need a couple of centre-backs and a striker but focus has had to partially shift towards a right-back. Thankfully, they have the perfect opportunity to sign their top target.
Realistically, it’s a miracle that Kyle Walker-Peters wasn’t snatched up immediately when Southampton got relegated. The consensus was already that he was too good for the Saints, but it’s baffling how a player of that quality played in the Championship.
Both going forwards and defensively he’s brilliant and he would provide real competition to Vladimir Coufal, potentially taking the Czech’s spot as first choice.
However, the Irons need to act fast as both Brighton and bitter rivals Tottenham are considering making a move for the defender, Sky Sports reports. Considering that he came through the Spurs academy, he may be keen on a move back to North London.
Fortunately, West Ham do hold a unique advantage which could prove to be the deciding factor in where he ends up: Flynn Downes. It’s expected that the Saints will make a move for the midfielder after his immense season in the second tier of English football, being absolutely key to their promotion.
If Southampton was to sell Walker-Peters elsewhere, our Irons could simply refuse to sell them their top target or raise his price tag substantially as revenge considering that no deal has been agreed yet. It would be in both clubs best interest to get the two transfers done as quickly as possible in order to avoid any complications.
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