West Ham United have reportedly contacted 24-year-old French defender Oumar Solet, who wants to leave Red Bull Salzburg in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Salzburger Nachrichten, as relayed by Sport Witness, Oumar Solet is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers have already contacted the French defender’s representatives. Meanwhile, the Red Bull Salzburg centre-back wants to leave the Austrian club in the summer transfer window and will cost around €10 million.
The Oumar Solet story
Oumar Solet has made considerable progress in his career since joining Red Bull Salzburg from Lyon in July 2020. A native of Melun, the Frenchman spent his formative years with several clubs in his homeland, passing through the academies at FC Dammarie-les-Lys, US Creteil, and US Villejuif before graduating from the youth division at Stade Laval.
The 24-year-old has turned out over 100 times thus far for Red Bull Salzburg while chipping in with four goals and five assists. However, Solet might have played his final game for the Austrian outfit, as he no longer “feels comfortable” at the Red Bull Arena and wants to embark on a new adventure in the summer transfer window.
The situation has not gone unnoticed, with several well-known clubs setting their sights on him. Recent reports have linked him with many Premier League bigwigs, including Manchester United, with the latest update mentioning AS Roma, VfL Wolfsburg, and West Ham United as his prospective suitors in the summer transfer window.
London calling?
West Ham United’s interest in Oumar Solet is understandable. The Hammers have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window after losing Angelo Ogbonna as a free agent. In addition, Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma face an uncertain future at the London Stadium, with West Ham open to cashing in on the centre-back duo.
So, it behoves West Ham to invest in a centre-back, with several candidates emerging on the East London club’s radar. Solet is also a viable target for the Hammers, who have contacted his entourage over a possible summer move. Meanwhile, Red Bull Salzburg will demand around €10 million to part ways with the French defender in the summer transfer window.
Oumar Solet’s suitors reckon Red Bull Salzburg’s valuation is too high, and they would like to pay less than €10 million to secure his services in the summer transfer window. However, with the 24-year-old Frenchman ready to embark on a new adventure, West Ham should submit a bid to get the ball rolling.
