West Ham United are allegedly keen to sign Mainz centre-back Moussa Niakhate in the summer transfer window.
That’s according to a report form The Telegraph who claims that the Hammers could snap up the 26-year-old centre-back for just £8 million this summer.
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West Ham manager David Moyes will be desperate to bolster his centre-back ranks at the London Stadium this summer.
The Scot needs to sign a top-class left-back as well. In fact, there are a lot of new signings needed this summer, so Moyes will have to be thrifty with his player recruitment.
And it seems as though he could kill two birds with one stone in the summer transfer window…
West Ham eyeing summer transfer swoop for Mainz star Moussa Niakhate
Standing at 6ft 3in tall, the 26-year-old is a strong and commanding centre-back. He is left-footed as well, which is a crucial trait considering the fact that the Hammers are looking for a long-term Angelo Ogbonna replacement.
Niakhate can also play at left-back, so that will obviously appeal to David Moyes.
The Frenchman is strong in the air and in the challenge and is quick along the ground.
In 23 Bundesliga games for Mainz this season, Niakhate has scored three goals. During those appearances, the 26-year-old has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and two clearances per match. He has also won two aerial duels on average per game (Who Scored).
Niakhate has made 44.4 passes on average per match and has recorded a completion rate of 77.4% (Who Scored).
The French ace is a great all-round defender but if we’re being picky, his passing isn’t the best.
That shouldn’t matter too much though because West Ham are not a team that passes out from the back under Moyes.
Signing Niakhate for just £8 million would be sensational business for West Ham United.
And the Mainz ace would undoubtedly improve the Hammers as a defensive unit beyond all recognition.
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