“£17M STAR’S SHOCKING NEW DEAL AFTER SWEARING ALLEGIANCE TO WEST HAM – BUT HAMMERS TRANSFER TWIST WILL LEAVE YOU SPEECHLESS!”
Just Weeks After Hinting at a Premier League Move, Is the Reported West Ham Target Really 'Here to Stay' Following His Fresh Contract Signing?
Maybe not just yet.
Kevin Lomonaco may have signed a contract with Independiente until December 2028, but that doesn’t mean West Ham United should erase his name from Graham Potter’s summer shortlist.
The Argentine defender, despite his fresh deal, remains a player of interest.
West Ham’s recent 2-0 victory over Manchester United was a rare highlight in an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
The clean sheet was notable, especially with Jean-Clair Todibo delivering one of his strongest performances since joining.
However, defensive reinforcements are still a priority for Potter as he reshapes the squad.
That’s where Lomonaco fits in.
The towering centre-back has openly declared his admiration for West Ham. Reports suggest the London club are preparing a £15 million bid for the 23-year-old, one that was expected to be launched early in the summer transfer window.
So does his contract renewal with Independiente crush those hopes before they can truly ignite?
Again, maybe not.
While ESPN assert that Lomonaco is “here to stay” following the permanent switch from Red Bull Bragantino, other sources offer a different perspective.
According to Avellaneda Hoy, Independiente’s strategy may still involve selling the defender—possibly using the new long-term deal to maximize his transfer value.
There are indications that Lomonaco’s updated contract serves more to protect the club’s interests rather than signal a refusal to negotiate.
His previous deal included a rumoured £17 million release clause during his time at River Plate.
Whether that figure still applies is unclear, but it sets a benchmark for potential offers.
Clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace have reportedly joined West Ham in monitoring Lomonaco, suggesting a bidding war could be on the cards.
Ole reports that River Plate aim to sell the defender abroad for significantly more than the £2.25 million they paid Bragantino.
So while his new contract technically runs until the end of 2028, a summer move—possibly in 2025—remains a strong possibility.
Lomonaco’s stock continues to rise thanks to his commanding displays.
Standing at 6’4”, the right-footed centre-back is known for his physical dominance, making him arguably more suited to the Premier League than the technically gifted but physically less imposing Todibo.
Should Lomonaco arrive, it could raise questions about the future of Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The Greek international has struggled to find consistent form under Potter. Notably, West Ham’s only losses in their past six games—against Liverpool and Brighton—came when Mavropanos was in the starting lineup.
In contrast, Lomonaco has been a rock at the heart of Independiente’s defence.
He’s earned high praise from Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero, who described him as a “phenomenon” and advocated for his inclusion in Argentina’s senior national team.
Lomonaco’s admiration for English football is no secret. Back in February, he made his preferences clear, hinting strongly at a desire to join West Ham.
“I really like the Premier League. It’s the league I watch the most,” he said with a grin. “An English team? I like West Ham.”
So while his future on paper lies in Argentina until 2028, don’t be surprised if his next chapter begins in London.
