When Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are looking to beat you to the signature of an exciting centre-forward, as is the case with West Ham United, then you know you’ve found a striker of real potential.
This, though, is a story which still has a few chapters left. A conclusion will not be written on deadline day.
While Bayer Leverkusen are open to letting Victor Boniface go before the 7pm cut-off – Hammers News can confirm that West Ham have considered signing the Nigeria international on loan – FC Midtjylland are in no rush to cash in on Franculino Dju.
Still only 21 years of age, Franculino is the latest African talent to make a name for himself in Denmark. Following in the footsteps of Mohammed Kudus, Simon Adingra and Ibrahim Osman, the Guinea Bissau international has scored 33 goals in the last two seasons.
West Ham are big fans of Franculino Dju. Having already signed one-time Nordsjaelland starlet Kudus, the Hammers tried to sign Brighton’s Osman too, Danish publication Bold claim that West Ham United have returned for another Superliga-based wonderkid.
Midtjylland allegedly rejected a £13 million bid from the London Stadium outfit. And, while there are no plans to cash in on deadline day, rival interest from PSG and Bayern Munich may have the Hammers wondering if their best chance has already slipped away.
Bayern Munich and PSG join West Ham United in Franculino Dju chase
According to transfer reporter Farzam Abolhosseini, speaking on the Transferguru podcast, the European Champions are keeping very close tabs on Franculino.
“They were at the stadium last season to see Franculino several times. PSG could well be the next suitor for him,” Abolhosseini said, while insisting that the youngster is likely to stay put until 2026.
“I think he will stay. [Midtjylland] have to win the Danish championship, which they won’t do without Franculino.”
Matteo Moretto, meanwhile, wrote on his official X account that Bayern Munich became the latest club, after West Ham and Villarreal, to have a bid rejected.
“Bayern Munich made a last-minute offer for FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Gluda Dju,” Moretto says. “A paid loan proposal with buy option.
“Midtjylland aren’t budging.”
Midtjylland want Franculino to fire them to Danish Superliga title
The size of such an opportunity has not been lost on Franculino. Moretto adds that the former Benfica youngster has been ‘pushing’ for a move to the Bundesliga champions. One which now appears increasingly unlikely after Bayern finally agreed terms with Chelsea regarding Nicolas Jackson.
“We have several players who are interesting to other clubs. Franculino is one of them,” Kristian Bach Bak, Midtjylland’s sporting director, told Bold over the weekend. “But we have a clear and concise plan with the players, their agents and the backroom staff.
“We know that we have to shine together this season, perform in Europe and win the championship. We missed that last year, so we have agreed with Franculino, [Chilean winger] Dario Osorio and all the others. That this year it has to be.
“Of course, the last week will be exciting. But as long as there is clear and concise communication, and the plan is clear for both parties, we believe that in the end we will have fulfilled our dream, which [is to have] the players have with us.”
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