West Ham United are this evening facing a race against time after Fabrizio Romano’s shock Carlos Soler revelation.
News emerged this morning that West Ham had agreed a deal for James Ward-Prowse with Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder travelled to Forest this morning for his medical.
As soon as that news emerged, it was clear West Ham were going to be signing PSG’s Carlos Soler.
The Spaniard has been linked with the Hammers ever since the club made Aaron Wan-Bissaka their last signing a few weeks ago.
It was widely reported Soler had spoken to West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui – who worked together in the Spain squad – and was keen on the move.
West Ham in race against time after Carlos Soler revelation
The deal, a loan with an option to buy according to reports, was entirely dependent on West Ham shipping players out first.
So when it was confirmed Ward-Prowse was heading out of the London Stadium exit, the Hammers could pull the trigger on Soler.
Just after 10am on deadline day it was reported that Soler was en route to West Ham for his medical.
That gave the Hammers a full 13 hours to get the player over, medical done and deal signed and sealed before the 11pm cut off.
But now West Ham are in a race against time after Fabrizio Romano’s shock Soler revelation.
Romano makes new claim about Soler medical
Delivering an update on the situation, Romano suggests the move is definitely still in the works.
However, the transfer reporter claims Soler only left France bound for London at around 3.30pm.
That will give the Hammers around six or seven hours all told to get everything done.
“Carlos Soler, flying to London to undergo medical tests at West Ham!” Romano stated on X at 3.35pm.
There should still be enough time to make Soler signing number nine.
But West Ham’s medicals are usually very thorough and sometimes done over two days.
Clearly that won’t be the case for this deal. And perhaps the Hammers will be a touch more relaxed with this medical as it is only an initial loan signing.
But the Hammers will have to hope there are no hold-ups or hiccups if they are to get this one done by deadline it seems.
The last ditch Ward-Prowse and Soler moves will come as no surprise to those who’ve been following Hammers News.
On Wednesday it was reported that Ward-Prowse’s representatives were calling around clubs to try and secure a move away from West Ham.
Hammers News suggested that should Ward-Prowse be successful, it would mean Soler would be on his way to east London.
Soler is an upgrade on Ward-Prowse for West Ham
There has been much debate over West Ham’s decision to let Ward-Prowse leave.
But it’s clear he wants to be a guaranteed starter somewhere.
And the fact of the matter is, that won’t be the case at West Ham.
Soler has struggled to establish himself at PSG but offers far more in open play than Ward-Prowse.
So it is easy to see why Lopetegui is keen to bring him in and has green-lit Ward-Prowse departing for Forest.
It should be noted that Soler is also a set-piece specialist. He is a lot more athletic, skilful and mobile than Ward-Prowse too.
Soler can also play in both attacking and defensive midfield roles and is two years younger than the Englishman.
Whether the Spaniard can do enough to tempt West Ham to make his move permanent for just under £17m remains to be seen.
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