The Premier League transfer window is heating up, and West Ham United’s plans to bolster their squad with a new midfield dynamo are facing a fresh challenge. Everton, struggling both on and off the pitch, are reportedly making a late move to secure the services of Carlos Soler, a key target of West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham have been actively looking to sign a versatile midfielder and ideally a striker as part of their ongoing squad revamp. After a disappointing season, Lopetegui’s summer overhaul has been impressive, but he remains keen on further strengthening his team. Among his top priorities is Soler, the 27-year-old midfielder from Paris Saint-Germain, who has been linked with a move to the London Stadium.
Lopetegui’s desire to bring Soler to West Ham is no secret. Speaking to the media, the West Ham boss acknowledged the fluid nature of the transfer market, saying, “We don’t want to talk about players who aren’t here, although it’s true that anything can happen. You have to keep competing in the market while working towards games.” His remarks underline the club’s ongoing efforts to finalize their squad before the transfer window shuts.
However, Lopetegui’s ambitions may be thwarted by Premier League rivals Everton. According to reports, the Toffees have been closely monitoring Soler for some time and have already initiated contact with PSG regarding a potential deal. Despite Everton’s precarious financial position, which has hampered their ability to make significant signings, they recognize the need for reinforcements after a dismal start to the season, including a 3-0 drubbing at home against Brighton.
Everton manager Sean Dyche is grappling with a thin squad and may be forced to sell key players to finance new acquisitions. One of the players who could be on the move is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Despite being offered to West Ham earlier in the window, a deal for the injury-prone striker fell through due to Everton’s high asking price. With West Ham opting to sign Niclas Fullkrug instead, Dyche is left pondering his next steps to free up funds for much-needed reinforcements.
West Ham, for their part, need to offload players to make room for Soler. The club’s high wage bill has become a stumbling block, as several players they wish to sell are on substantial salaries. Former Everton defender Kurt Zouma, earning £125,000 per week, is among those the Hammers are looking to move. Talks are reportedly underway regarding the potential departures of Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, but no agreements have been finalized yet.
As West Ham struggle to trim their squad, Everton are looking to capitalize. Journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that Everton’s interest in Soler is concrete, and the club is actively exploring a deal to bring the versatile midfielder to Goodison Park. With Soler capable of playing in various midfield roles, his addition would provide Dyche with much-needed depth and creativity in the center of the park.
While Soler is reportedly keen on a move to West Ham and has already spoken with Lopetegui, the financial aspect of the deal could play a crucial role. If Everton can offer better terms or a straight purchase – possibly funded by the sale of Calvert-Lewin – PSG may lean towards accepting their offer over West Ham’s. For now, both clubs remain locked in a battle to secure Soler’s signature, as the transfer deadline looms ever closer.
As the clock ticks down, the rivalry between Everton and West Ham extends beyond the pitch to the transfer market. Whether Soler ends up in the claret and blue of West Ham or the blue of Everton, his decision could significantly impact the fortunes of either club this season.
Leave a Reply