There has been a massive deadline day twist for West Ham United in chase for powerhouse midfielder Seko Fofana.
Despite an excellent summer window which has seen West Ham break their transfer record over the weekend, David Moyes had declared there may be more to come before tonight’s deadline.
Lucas Paqueta’s arrival at the London Stadium now means West Ham have a France goalkeeper, starting German international centre-back, England’s starting midfielder, Brazil’s starting playmaker and Italy’s starting striker through the spine of their team.
But some West Ham fans feel a powerful, all-action central midfielder to complement Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and new boy Paqueta would be the final piece in the jigsaw.
And many hoped that man would be Lens star Fofana – who shone against the Hammers in a pre-season draw.
Fofana has been heavily linked with a move to West Ham in recent weeks.
The Ivory Coast teammate of West Ham summer signing Maxwel Cornet has been the standout star at the start of the Ligue 1 season, driving Lens to the top of the table.
Fofana spoke out about his future at the weekend amid the strong links to West Ham.
The 27-year-old, speaking to Canal+ – as transcribed by GFFN – admitted that there are offers in for him and that ‘everything is possible’.
It was then reported that West Ham are ‘on the spot’ waiting to pounce and complete a dream transfer window by signing midfield powerhouse Fofana (Ouest-France).
But there has been a massive deadline day twist for West Ham in the chase for powerhouse midfielder Fofana.
Because he signed a new deal with Lens last night.
The new deal was announced by his club last night and Fofana was presented to Lens fans before their 5-2 home win against Lorient.
Fofana has extended his contract until 2025, staving off any potential last minute interest from West Ham on transfer deadline day.
Lens general director Arnaud Pouille said the following on Fofana’s extension: “The extension of Seko, our captain, is a strong marker of the stability of Racing.
“Since his arrival, through his total commitment both on and off the pitch, Seko has embodied the club’s project and more than that, its values.
“We are looking forward to continuing our common history. Captain Seko has won the hearts of our fans and is an inspiring model of professionalism for all the young players in training every day. I would like to salute his consistency and maturity, as well as the quality of his entourage, because this extension is the result of cordial and virtuous exchanges.”
West Ham have also been linked with Conor Gallagher, another move which – at this stage – seems highly unlikely.
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