West Ham United will reportedly look to sign 22-year-old German-born Serbian midfielder Lazar Samardzic from Serie A club Udinese in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Lazar Samardzic is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are in the market for a midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Serie A club Udinese will demand over €30 million to part ways with the German-born midfielder.
Lazar Samardzic and his Udinese Journey
Lazar Samardzic was born and brought up in Germany after being born in Berlin. He passed through the academies at FK Hercegovac, Blau-Weiß Spandau, and Schwarz-Weiß Neukölln before graduating from the youth division at Hertha BSC. However, the German-born midfielder chose to represent Serbia on the international stage despite representing the nation of his birth in age-group football.
Meanwhile, the 22-year-old has risen in prominence during his ongoing stint with Udinese. The youngster has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Serie in the last three years. Samardzic has enjoyed a decent 2023/24 campaign, turning out 25 times thus far across all competitions, although his involvement has reduced in recent weeks.
Speculation surrounding the Serbian international has grown in the last few weeks, and a summer move might be on the cards. Recent reports have linked him with Barcelona. But a Premier League switch might be on the cards, while the youngster is also a target for Juventus. Meanwhile, Udinese will demand over €30 million to part ways with him.
West Ham Want Samardzic
West Ham United also considered signing Lazar Samardzic in last summer’s transfer window before a move failed to materialise. The continued interest in the German-born midfielder is understandable. While the East London club landed James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez last summer, they will unlikely complete a permanent move for Kalvin Phillips.
The Hammers are considering a move for Mandela Keita instead of completing a permanent move for Phillips. But Samardzic is also a viable target for West Ham. And they have the financial capacity to shell out at least €30 million to secure his services.
However, the competition from Juventus might be the killer blow for West Ham, considering the Bianconeri will likely offer him UEFA Champions League football. So, it will be interesting to see if a move to West Ham sees the light of day.
