West Ham United are reportedly keeping tabs on Bayern Munich defender Tanguy Nianzou as their search for a centre-back continues.
According to 90 min, Premier League club West Ham United have set their sights on Bayern Munich defender Tanguy Nianzou as their search for a new centre-back this summer enters crunch time.
The Hammers have already brought in Nayef Aguerd this summer but have been dealt a cruel blow regarding the 26-year-old. The Moroccan international injured his ankle in West Ham’s pre-season friendly against Rangers and could face up to ten weeks on the sidelines.
With Issa Diop reportedly on his way to Fulham, West Ham are in a fix given their other options at centre-back. Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna are not getting any younger, making Kurt Zouma the lone central defender in his prime at the London Stadium who is available for action.
The Hammers are keen to bring in a central defender in the coming weeks, and Bayern Munich defender Tanguy Nianzou is the latest player in their wishlist. The 20-year-old enjoyed his first taste of senior-level football at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Bayern in 2019. He has since made 28 appearances for the Bavarian club, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
A player with excellent potential, Nianzou could develop into a world-class defender under Moyes. He is still rough around the edges and needs to iron out some flaws in his game. Given that he is 20, the French youth international would be a long-term addition to West Ham’s roster.
Good with the ball at his feet and dominant in the air, Nianzou has the makings of a modern-day defensive ace. His ability on the ball can also see him play further up the field in midfield if necessary. The Bayern Munich defender does, however, have the propensity to give away cheap fouls and will need some addressing.
His chances of gaining regular playtime in Bavaria is suspect given the options at Julian Nagelsmann’s disposal. Dayot Upcamecano, Lucas Hernandez and Matthijs de Ligt are all ahead of Nianzou in the pecking order at Bayern Munich, and the status quo is unlikely to change anytime soon.
A move to West Ham is admittedly a step down for Nianzou, but it could come with the consolation of regulating game-time. Despite his flaws, the Hammers might be left with no choice but to throw their potential new signing into the starting XI.
West Ham do not, however, appear to be targeting the Bayern Munich defender as a priority. The Hammers are in talks with PSG for Thilo Kehrer and have made a bid for his services. A move for Nianzou could very well depend on Kehrer’s decision.