West Ham United are interested in signing Chris Smalling on a free transfer in the summer as he winds down his Roma contract.
According to Fichajes, Chris Smalling has emerged as a target for West Ham United in the summer. The Hammers are keen to bring the Serie A ace back to England as he winds down his Roma contract. The London outfit values the 33-year-old’s experience and wants to instil him in their squad.
It has been four years since Chris Smalling left the plush Premier League environment to take up a position at Roma. His performances for the Italian side have been excellent and consistent, as he continues to be an essential player for the Serie A side.
Jose Mourinho knows him and values the experience Smalling brings to the team. Winning the Europa Conference League was the pinnacle of the star’s time in the Italian capital. Current manager Jose Mourinho trusts the defender and uses him considerably in his starting lineups.
His contract at Roma is expiring in the summer, and so far, the Italian side have made no concrete proposals to Smalling’s liking. Hence, he could move on at the end of the season with plenty of current Premier League sides interested.
🚨 West Ham are among the teams keeping track of Chris Smalling's contract situation.
🏴 ⚒️ #WHUFC 🔴 #ASRoma pic.twitter.com/MYGFRdG289— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) January 18, 2023
Fulham were keen to sign him this month, but Mourinho remains uninterested in letting him leave mid-season. Smalling could open negotiations with suitors this month over a free transfer in the summer, with West Ham one of the sides keen.
David Moyes’ future continues to remain on the brink after some terrible results under his belt. Yet, the club may need to bring in an experienced head to maintain balance in the side. West Ham did sign a few young defenders like Nayef Aguerd and Thilo Kehrer in the summer, but they have been ineffective so far.
There’s also the future of Craig Dawson, who will move away from the club. Aston Villa are interested, but there are other sides keeping tabs. Losing him would remove an experienced head from the backline, and the Hammers may want to bring Smalling to replace him.
They are also reportedly willing to pay a higher salary than what Roma are paying. Financially he could find a good deal back in the Premier League, although much will depend on other offers.
He looks likely to depart Roma in the summer on a free transfer barring a late twist in the tale. West Ham could become a good option for the defender as the London outfit remains keen to bring the Serie A ace back to England.
