West Ham could challenge European club’s stance with January bid for £42m star – report
West Ham United could challenge Juventus for former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in January, reports the Sunday Mirror.
The print edition (8 December, pg 65) reports that West Ham United will face competition from fellow Premier League side Fulham for the signature of a Brazilian midfielder.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport on Saturday (7 December), West Ham plans to approach the player, who joined Juventus for a reported £42 million.
However, uncertainty around West Ham’s managerial situation could complicate their January transfer plans.
Both West Ham and Wolves managers are under pressure ahead of the so-called “El-Sackico,” with Julen Lopetegui facing more scrutiny than Gary O’Neil.
Since Lopetegui’s appointment, West Ham has seen significant regression, prompting the club to reportedly consider Michael Carrick as a potential replacement.
Such instability might deter potential signings in January, as players may hesitate to join a team without clarity on its managerial future.
Despite Lopetegui surviving the recent 3-1 loss to Leicester City, a defeat to Wolves could push club owner David Sullivan to act decisively.
To fully utilize the January transfer window, West Ham must resolve its managerial uncertainty beforehand.
Failing to do so risks extending the club’s poor form and jeopardizing their hopes of recovery in the second half of the season.
