Crystal Palace and West Ham United are reportedly keen on signing 21-year-old Austrian defender Samson Baidoo from Ligue 1 club RC Lens.
According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Crystal Palace and West Ham United are interested in Samson Baidoo. The two London clubs are keen on reinforcing their defensive units by signing a centre-back next year. So, the 21-year-old RC Lens defender has emerged as a target for the Premier League outfits.
Who is Samson Baidoo?
Samson Baidoo has established himself as one of the best young prospects in Ligue 1 since joining RC Lens from Red Bull Salzburg this past summer. A native of Graz, the youngster spent his formative years in Austria, Post SV Graz, before graduating from the youth division at Red Bull Salzburg.
While the 21-year-old rose in prominence during his spell with Red Bull Salzburg, he has not looked back since joining RC Lens, playing his part in the Ligue 1 club’s rise to the top of the league table. Baidoo has made 14 Ligue 1 appearances while chipping in with two goals and one assist.
Meanwhile, the young Austrian defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Crystal Palace and West Ham United are among the prospective suitors vying for Baidoo’s signature.
London calling?
Crystal Palace’s interest in Samson Baidoo is understandable. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back as they prepare for life after Marc Guehi. The English international will leave the South London club as a free agent amid his links with several European bigwigs. So, Crystal Palace must dip into the market for a centre-back, with Baidoo emerging as a viable target.
As for West Ham United, Nuno Espirito Santo wants a solid centre-back, as Jean-Clair Todibo, Max Kilman, and Konstantinos Mavropanos have failed to make their mark during their spells with the East London club. Interestingly, Kilman is a target for Crystal Palace, and he may leave West Ham soon. So, Baidoo is an option worth considering for the Hammers.
Meanwhile, RC Lens signed Baidoo after losing Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin Danso this year, and they may lose another promising centre-back to a Premier League club. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 21-year-old Austrian defender.