West Ham United are keen on Julian Weigl, with David Moyes eying quality competition in midfield.
According to Record, via Sport Witness, West Ham United are interested in bringing Julian Weigl to London as David Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield. The Benfica star is reportedly available for €20 million, and his wages may not pose a problem for the Hammers.
West ham United endured a season with a limited squad last time out and managed only a UEFA Europa Conference League qualification. David Moyes is keen to improve his squad quality as he continues to search for options for every position. And the central midfield department has become a priority following considerable upgrades in attack and defence.
Gianluca Scamacca was signed from Sassuolo as Moyes secured competition for Michail Antonio and could now lend his focus toward improving his midfield. The central area has plenty of quality with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, the current starters, but there is a lack of cover and competition in the area, despite the addition of Flynn Downes.
With the retirement of Mark Noble and Alex Kral’s return to his parent club, Moyes has free spaces in the middle of the park to fill. The idea has been to bring in a player of quality the manager can rotate with the current starters as they will have European commitments to adhere to, while they also push for a top-six finish in the Premier League.
Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski has been a target for West Ham, although Moyes seems keen on a more defence-minded player to take up a significant role next season and Benfica’s Julian Weigl is their latest target, with the east London club making an approach to check his availability this summer.
The midfielder could consider West Ham’s interest, as he could be open to take up a more significant challenge in his career. Benfica are reportedly looking at €20 million to offload the former Borussia Dortmund ace, although the Hammers could look to negotiate a lower fee.
Weigl’s salary has been a reported problem for suitors in the past. However, it is not expected to be an issue for West Ham, who might make an offer in the coming days. However, other clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach, AC Milan and Atalanta, among others, are also looking at the German.
The 26-year-old has the capability to be a good signing that will solidify the Hammers ahead of the new season. What now remains to be seen is whether West Ham step up their pursuit of Weigl and make a formal offer in the coming days.
