West Ham United and OH Leuven have reportedly sealed an agreement over a deal for 19-year-old Dutch midfield sensation Ezechiel Banzuzi.
According to an update by Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, Ezechiel Banzuzi is closing on joining West Ham United in the winter transfer window. The Hammers have secured an agreement with OH Leuven over a deal worth £13 million, including £3 million in add-ons.
Dorsett added that Banzuzi would fly to England for his medical checks in 24 hours. However, reputed Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed comments from sources with OH Leuven, with the club denying an agreement with West Ham. In addition, they have not received any written offer from the East London club for the Dutchman.
Who is Ezechiel Banzuzi?
Ezechiel Banzuzi has established himself as one of the best young prospects in Europe in the last 18 months. A native of Zwijndrecht, the 19-year-old spent most of his formative years in the Netherlands, starting his youth career at VVGZ before graduating from the youth division at NAC Breda.
The Dutch midfield sensation has been with OH Leuven since July 2023 and has come leaps and bounds in the last 18 months. Banzuzi, who has often drawn comparisons to Paul Pogba, has turned out 63 times thus far for the Belgian club, chipping in with five goals and five assists. The youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with West Ham United among his prospective suitors.
London calling?
West Ham United’s interest in Ezechiel Banzuzi makes sense. Graham Potter wants more productivity from his midfielders, with his current options not being clinical enough. So, the OH Leuven wonderkid has emerged as a viable target for West Ham, with the East London club already failing with a bid to secure his services.
However, Rob Dorsett has suggested that the Hammers have secured an agreement with OH Leuven to sign the 19-year-old Dutchman before the winter transfer window shuts down. West Ham will cough up a base fee of £10 million, with add-ons bringing the value of the package to £13 million.
If Dorsett’s claims are correct, Banzuzi will undergo his medical tests with West Ham on Thursday. However, with Sacha Tavolieri’s sources at OH Leuven denying an agreement between West Ham and the Belgian club, it will be interesting to see if the move sees the light of day.
