A Barcelona surprise move could wreck West Ham United’s hopes for a Tomas Soucek replacement in the form of Ibrahim Sangare.
West Ham boss David Moyes wanted to sign another defensive central midfielder in the summer despite the arrival of the excellent Flynn Downes.
That was underlined by West Ham’s pursuit of the likes of Amadou Onana – who ended up at Everton – and their reported interest in PSV star Sangare.
The likes of The Daily Mail and Calciomercato claimed West Ham were pushing to sign Sangare from PSV Eindhoven in a £25m deal during the summer.
And the reports stated the defensive midfielder – who has been described as ‘poetry in motion’ – wanted to join the Hammers.
There were hopes that Hammers new boy Maxwel Cornet might be able to help persuade his Ivory Coast teammate to join him at the London Stadium.
But any chance of West Ham signing Sangare looked dead in the water when he signed a new deal with PSV before the summer transfer deadline.
However, there were claims almost immediately after Sangare signed that deal that it was simply PSV’s way of ensuring they got true value when selling him as his contract was running down.
Indeed reports after Sangare penned the extension claimed West Ham are ‘not put off’ by his new contract.
In an article for Foot Mercato, journalist Santi Aouna says news of Sangare’s new deal had not ‘scared West Ham off’.
Downes’ performances have eased fears over what the future holds for West Ham if and when captain Declan Rice leaves the club.
Soucek’s future has been the subject of much speculation too with suggestions Sangare was being eyed with a view to the big Czech being sold.
But now a Barcelona surprise could wreck West Ham hopes for Soucek replacement Sangare.
According to Football Espana and Sport, Sangare has emerged as a surprise option for Barcelona in January.
The reports highlight that the Ivorian midfielder was linked with a Premier League move to the likes of West Ham and Chelsea in the summer.
Competing with Barcelona is difficult for most clubs let alone West Ham.
But there is a glimmer of hope for the Hammers in Football Espana’s report as they claim Barca’s financial situation may give the Premier League clubs a distinct advantage.
“Given he was linked with a move to the Premier League and offers were mentioned of around €46m (£40m) were mentioned, it remains to be seen how affordable he would be,” Football Espana reports.
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