West Ham have reportedly entered the race to sign AZ Alkmaar defender Owen Wijndal, who is also a target for Juventus.
According to Calciomercato, Owen Wijndal could be on the verge of leaving AZ Alkmaar at the end of the season. The 22-year-old Dutch full-back has been courted by Juventus ahead of the new season. But the Italian giants are not the only clubs interested, as West Ham have also recently expressed the desire to sign the talented defender.
A product of Alkmaar’s own youth academy, Wijndal has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the last couple of seasons. He made his breakthrough during the 2019/20 campaign, making an impression with his pace and athleticism on the flanks.
A left-back by trade, Wijndal has already featured in 140 competitive appearances for Alkmaar. During his time at the club, he has registered as many as 26 assists while scoring four goals. His excellent numbers are indicative of his attacking prowess, while the defender is equally capable of catching up with his markers using his pace.
Wijndal’s consistent performances have helped him earn 11 caps for the Netherlands national team so far. But as he looks to become a first-team regular for the country, he is keen on making a move to a bigger club in the upcoming summer transfer window.
While Juventus will be an obvious pick for the 22-year-old Dutch international, West Ham could make a solid case for securing his services in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Hammers have enjoyed unprecedented success under David Moyes and have been consistently competing for the European places in the Premier League. They have even reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League this term and remain one of the favourites to win the competition, despite their first-leg defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.
West Ham’s interest in Owen Wijndal stems from the club’s lack of a reliable alternative for first-choice left-back Aaron Cresswell. Arthur Masuaku has usually served as the deputy for Cresswell this term, but Moyes wants more quality in the position and that is where Wijndal comes into the fray.
The 22-year-old can add real quality to the left hand side of the West Ham defence. His ability to make marauding runs out wide could add more efficiency to their creative game, although signing the Dutch international could be tricky, especially if Juventus persist with their interest in the player.