The news coming out of Spain in the last 24 hours, regarding Villarreal’s pursuit of West Ham United defender Konstantinos Mavropanos, is either good or bad, depending on your perspective.
It initially appeared that Greek international Mavropanos was likely to stay in the Premier League beyond the summer window.
Like with Tomas Soucek, Emerson Palmieri, Nayef Aguerd and Guido Rodriguez – Hammers News can confirm that West Ham are open to offers for all five – serious, genuine approaches for the former Arsenal and Stuttgart man have been few and far between.
Whether that changes or not in the coming days or weeks, only time will tell.
Reports emerged on Wednesday claiming that, while long-time admirers Roma remain interested, Villarreal made contact regarding a move to Spain for Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Over the course of the following 24 hours, however, Villarreal director Miguel Angel Tena said one thing, while further reports said another as deadline day looms for West Ham United.
Villarreal boss Miguel Angel Tena opens Konstantinos Mavropanos door amid West Ham United links
Firstly, Tena.
The club’s Director of Professional Football spoke to the media in midweek. And, while there was no mention of Mavropanos by name, Tena did confirm that reinforcements are required in central defence at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
“There are two weeks left, and we are clear about the team’s needs and the profile of the players we need to bring in,” says Tena, his comments about discussions being ‘underway’ with potential signings particularly intriguing.
“We are working on it so they arrive as soon as possible, but it doesn’t depend solely on us. We have to be patient. It’s clear that there are players missing in the defensive line.
“You don’t know which player will arrive first because negotiations are underway, but there are players missing in defence and attack.”
Despite bringing in Rafa Marin and Santiago Mourino from Napoli and Atletico Madrid respectively, Villarreal have lost Logan Costa to a potentially season-ending ACL injury while Willy Kambwala – once of Manchester United – tweaked his hamstring.
With two central defenders out of action, there is certainly a place for Mavropanos at a side set to play Champions League football in 2025/26.
“Like all positions, if before the transfer window closes we believe someone can arrive who will increase competitiveness and be good for the team, we will bring him in,” adds Tena.
“We are sad this preseason because there have been two long-term injuries, which is what we don’t want to happen. They are two important players in the defensive line, as we saw last year.
“The manager is asking us for a [new signing], and we’re trying to get closer.”
Villarreal want Mavropanos discount after ruling out Carlos Soler
Despite a West Ham career beset with individual errors – both Gabby Agbonlahor and Darren Bent called Mavropanos a ‘terrible’ signing on talkSPORT duty – reports claim that the Hammers hope to recoup every penny of the £17 million they paid Stuttgart back in 2023.
A demand Villarreal seem unwilling to meet as things stand.
According to El Periodico Mediterraneo, Villarreal will not pay the 20 million euro fee West Ham are looking for. However, like with the Hammers’ pursuit of Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes, talks are ongoing despite a gap in valuation.
Interestingly, the two-time Champions League semi-finalists have ruled out bringing former Valencia captain Carlos Soler back to Spain.
After an underwhelming loan spell at the London Stadium, the PSG misfit was linked with Villarreal and Brighton at the beginning of the summer. Two months on, Soler remains stuck in his Parisian purgatory.
Villarreal are also in talks to sign 2023 La Liga Golden Boot winner Artem Dovbyk from Roma. Dovbyk turned down West Ham when making a £26 million move to Italy a year ago.
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