West Ham United are closing in on a significant transfer, aiming to secure the services of Carlos Soler from Paris Saint-Germain. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish midfielder has set his sights on joining the Hammers, prioritizing them over other potential suitors.
Soler’s current situation at PSG has not been favorable. The 27-year-old has struggled to find regular playing time, starting only 12 Ligue 1 matches last season. Under the management of Luis Enrique, Soler found himself behind the likes of Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Fabian Ruiz in the pecking order. This lack of consistent game time has prompted Soler to seek a move where he can play a more integral role.
West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui has identified Soler as a key target to bolster his midfield options. The east London club is reportedly in advanced discussions with PSG and is confident that a deal can be struck. The Hammers see Soler as a perfect fit to partner with new signing Guido Rodriguez, aiming to create a formidable midfield duo.
Positive Progress in Negotiations
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Soler is keen on making the switch to the London Stadium. Romano revealed, “I still think that West Ham will advance on the Soler deal because contacts are going very well on the player’s side. Contacts are also ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain, so despite the reports of other clubs, I’m told that West Ham are also a priority for the player.”
One key factor that seems to be playing in West Ham’s favor is the presence of Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard’s influence could be pivotal in convincing Soler to make the move, as Romano added, “The manager, Julen Lopetegui, makes the difference. He’s Spanish, like Soler, so he’s talking to the player, and this is why they have an advantage on this story.”
Negotiations are continuing, and a resolution is expected before the close of the transfer window. PSG are reportedly open to a deal in the region of £20 million, a fee that West Ham is prepared to meet. Soler’s arrival would not only add quality but also experience to the Hammers’ midfield, providing Lopetegui with more options as he prepares for the challenges of the upcoming Premier League season.
Soler’s Performance at a Glance
Soler, a product of Valencia’s academy, made his mark in La Liga before joining PSG in 2022. Despite a promising start, his time in Paris has not gone according to plan. Over two seasons, he has started only 26 Ligue 1 games. However, his talent is undeniable, as evidenced by his stats from the last season, which include a pass accuracy of 85.7% and an average of 6.12 progressive passes per 90 minutes.
West Ham’s Defensive Reinforcement
While Soler is a priority, West Ham is also eyeing additional defensive reinforcements. The club has already brought in Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, but they are not done yet. Reports suggest that the Hammers have initiated contact with Sheffield United for Anel Ahmedhodzic. The Bosnian international, who impressed despite Sheffield United’s struggles last season, is also attracting interest from Wolves and Ipswich Town.
As the transfer window edges towards its conclusion, West Ham’s activity indicates their ambition to strengthen their squad significantly. The potential acquisition of Carlos Soler and additional defensive options reflect the club’s intent to compete strongly in the Premier League and beyond. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Hammers can secure these key signings in the coming days.
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