West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing 27-year-old SC Braga striker Simon Banza, who will cost around €20-25 million.
According to a report by Record, as relayed by Sport Witness, Simon Banza is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The French-born African striker might leave SC Braga in the summer transfer window. And the Portuguese giants will demand around €20-25 million to part ways with their star striker.
Who is Simon Banza?
Simon Banza has been a top-notch performer for SC Braga this season. A native of Creil, the 27-year-old spent his formative years with three French clubs, graduating from the RC Lens youth division. However, he found a stable foothold after moving to Portugal, with the resurgence kick-starting during his season-long loan spell at FC Famalicao.
SC Braga signed him in a deal worth around €3 million in July 2022 after the successful loan spell with Famalicao. Meanwhile, the French-born striker has picked African country DR Congo as his national side. Banza has enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign, amassing 23 goals and five assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Banza’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. A move to the Premier League might be on the cards, with West Ham United keen on securing the services of the SC Braga striker in the summer transfer window. And SC Braga will demand around €20-25 million to part ways with him.
London calling?
West Ham United’s interest in Simon Banza is understandable. The Hammers are scouring the market for a striker heading into the summer transfer window. Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are on the wrong side of 30, with the latter barely featuring this season and the former no longer good enough to be the first-choice striker for West Ham.
So, several strikers, including Youssef En-Nesyri, have emerged on West Ham United’s radar. But Banza is also a viable target, considering his exploits for SC Braga this season. Meanwhile, his price tag of €20-25 million makes him an affordable option for West Ham.
Banza might not be the only player from Liga Portugal to arrive at the London Stadium this summer, with West Ham also interested in Jota Silva. So, it will be interesting to see how the Hammers bolster their attack this summer.
