BREAKING NEWS: West Ham want to complete difficult deal to sign midfielder at CL club

West Ham United want to sign PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare but deal ‘not an easy one’ – Fabrizio Romano

West Ham United are targeting PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare but may face difficulty amid interest from “many clubs”, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Writing in his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside (27 August), Romano claimed that while the Hammers are targeting the 25-year-old Ivorian international along with Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, but a deal for Sangare is “not an easy one”

Sangare would be the fourth midfielder brought into the club this summer following the arrivals of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez while Mohammed Kudus’ announcement is expected soon.

Romano wrote: “Sticking with West Ham, Sangaré is a target for the Hammers but the player is on the transfer lists of many clubs, so it is not an easy one to get done at this stage.”

Midfield madness

The Hammers are not holding back in their efforts to secure one of the Premier League’s finest midfield, on paper at least.

West Ham have been incredibly active in the midfield market in recent weeks but now looks to make a coup for a much sought-after international. The likes of Liverpool have reportedly made contact with PSV regarding the defensive midfielder according to François Plateau who also claimed (25 August) that the Ivorian has a £32million release clause.

With elite-level European sides interested in his services, if the Hammers secure a deal for the former Toulouse man, they could again secure a top midfield talent.

Sangare is a powerhouse in the midfield for PSV. He is adept at not only creating chances for teammates, but his defensive dominance shows him to be an all-round player.

With 1.86 clearances per 90 (88th percentile) and 1.52 aerial duels won per 90 (85th percentile), he has the physicality and intelligence to perform in the Premier League. [FBRef]

Additionally, his 7.65 progressive passes per 90 (90th percentile), 1.78 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (83rd percentile) and 0.19 non-penalty goals per 90 (92nd percentile) reflect his ability to influence the attacking play.

The Hammers could yet again secure another top-tier talent for their midfield this summer, but fans should taper expectations amid interest from other clubs.

In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Mohammed Kudus has undergo his Hammers medical.