West Ham in Negotiations for New Centre-Back Target

Julen Lopetegui identified West Ham’s defence as a critical area for improvement after succeeding David Moyes as manager.

This focus isn’t surprising, given that West Ham conceded a club-record 74 goals in the Premier League last season.

Lopetegui plans to overhaul West Ham’s defence, retaining only goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and left-back Emerson Palmieri. The club recently spent £40 million to bring Max Kilman back under Lopetegui’s management.

However, the 3-1 pre-season defeat to Wolves underscored the urgency of further defensive reinforcements.

West Ham’s pursuit of a defensive overhaul, however, has proven challenging for technical director Tim Steidten.

Several targeted centre-backs and right-backs have either fallen through or stalled, and West Ham has lost out on multiple players to other clubs.

One such disappointment was Brazilian defender Fabricio Bruno, for whom a deal collapsed. Similarly, weeks of negotiations for Kyle Walker-Peters ended without an agreement.

An agreed deal for Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo fell apart when the player opted to join Juventus instead. Additionally, Jacob Greaves signed with Ipswich from Hull, and Lyon’s Jake O’Brien is now joining Everton.

A smokescreen move for Noussair Mazraoui also failed, but West Ham may still secure Aaron Wan-Bissaka. These setbacks in securing a second centre-back have prompted West Ham to adjust their strategy.

West Ham is now targeting Logan Costa, a centre-back from Toulouse, after missing out on O’Brien. Reports from Italy indicate that West Ham is in discussions with Costa’s agents.

Toulouse hopes to surpass their previous record sale, aiming for more than the £22.5 million they received from West Ham for Issa Diop in 2018.

Raffaele Amato reports, “Lopetegui wanted O’Brien, but the Irish player went to Everton. Bologna also likes Costa, but there are no negotiations now.”

Costa, a former France youth international now representing Cape Verde, could potentially move to Bologna for Champions League football, but no talks have taken place with the Serie A club yet.

Costa is known for his versatility, which aligns with Steidten’s emphasis on signing adaptable players. Primarily a central defender, Costa can also play as a full-back.

His 6ft 3in frame would add significant aerial strength to West Ham’s defence alongside Kilman.

Costa is recognized for his tackling ability, positional sense, and composure under pressure.

His aptitude for reading the game would complement Kilman’s skills, enabling crucial interceptions and clearances. Costa’s ability to play out from the back mirrors Kilman’s style.

Furthermore, Costa has demonstrated leadership qualities at Toulouse, an area where West Ham is currently lacking.

The 23-year-old’s combination of physicality, technical skill, and mental acuity could make him a valuable addition to West Ham’s squad.