West Ham United could miss out on the services of SC Braga striker Simon Banza, with a move to UAE edging closer.
According to O Jogo via Sport Witness, Simon Banza is ready to turn down an opportunity to play in the Premier League for West Ham United to secure his financial future by moving elsewhere. The SC Braga forward has been approached by a club from UAE and he has welcomed that option with open arms.
Banza came up the ranks at RC Lens before making the move to Portugal in the summer of 2022. He has only gone from strength to strength since leaving the French club. After an impressive debut season, the French-born African striker managed to build on it with 23 goals and five assists in the recently concluded season.
West Ham keen on signing Banza
The 27-year-old forward’s impressive rise has not gone unnoticed and multiple clubs from across Europe are keen on prising him away from Braga. West Ham United are one of the clubs that have been linked with the former Lens striker.
Julen Lopetegui is keen on adding more firepower to his attack before next season. He wants to bring in someone who can lead their attack and be a major source of goals. Michail Antonio is already 34, and his contract is expiring. In addition, Danny Ings is on the wrong side of 30. As a result, West Ham need to bring quality number nine, and Banza is one of the names on their wishlist.
Banza prefers a move to UAE for the money
While the Hammers have shown interest in him, the Braga forward could end up making a move to the United Arab Emirates for the money. The player has no problems in rejecting a top Premier League club to secure his financial future with a move to the Middle East.
Clubs from across Europe have positioned themselves to push for Simon Banza’s signature. But the report suggests that the proposal from UAE is close to being finalised. The player has welcomed the opportunity and seems keen on making the move.
While the Hammers could still try to convince him about a move to the Premier League, they won’t be able to match the offer that clubs from the Middle East could put forward. With money being a very important factor in his decision, things don’t look great for West Ham.
