West Ham United have identified a highly-rated EFL playmaker as their primary target for this summer’s transfer window, according to a recent report.
Under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers are set to transform, adopting a possession-based style of play. This shift necessitates the addition of new player profiles to the squad. Having already secured the talented Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme, they are now turning their focus to an EFL attacker.
TEAMtalk reports that West Ham has made Hull City’s highly-rated playmaker Jaden Philogene their top target. The former Aston Villa player impressed last season, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists in the Championship.
Newly promoted Southampton is also interested in Philogene, and he has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur in recent months, although Spurs’ interest seems to have waned.
Philogene is seen as an ideal addition for West Ham, particularly to bolster their homegrown quota. However, acquiring him won’t be easy or cheap. Hull City’s owner, Acun Ilicali, is adamant about not selling his star player, aiming to build a squad capable of achieving Premier League promotion.
“We got Jaden Philogene for €5m, now he’s €30m. But we have no intention to give him away for 30,” Ilicali stated.
While it appears to be a challenging deal for West Ham, it’s worth noting that every player has a price, especially in the Championship where Financial Fair Play regulations are stringent. A bid of around £30m might be sufficient to secure Philogene’s transfer.
