Julen Lopetegui is gearing up for the new Premier League season with West Ham United, aiming to strengthen their squad to secure a European qualification spot after finishing ninth last season.
The Hammers have already brought in Wolves defender Max Kilman, who has previous experience under Lopetegui, and talented Brazilian prospect Luis Guilherme.
However, the transfer business is far from over, with rumors swirling about more potential signings for West Ham, including a striker, right-back, and another center-back.
West Ham transfer news
Reports from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb suggest that West Ham is eyeing KAA Gent central defender Jordan Torunarigha. Crystal Palace and Leeds United are also reportedly interested in the player.
Gent is believed to be seeking around €5m for Torunarigha, with Leeds having already had a bid rejected. West Ham fans will be eagerly watching to see if a deal can be struck for the talented defender.
Torunarigha put in an impressive performance for Gent last season, showcasing his defensive prowess with 44 appearances and contributing to multiple clean sheets while also showing his attacking capabilities with a goal and two assists.
A potential Torunarigha and Kilman partnership
Kilman, who captained Wolves last season, brings leadership and defensive stability to West Ham. Pairing him with the talented Torunarigha could provide the Hammers with a solid defensive foundation.
Gift Orban, Torunarigha’s former teammate, has praised his abilities, suggesting that the pairing of two left-footed defenders could work well for West Ham.
Torunarigha vs Kilman vs Aguerd comparison
Stats (per 90 mins)
Torunarigha
Kilman
Aguerd
Passes Attempted
62.70
60.76
59.89
Progressive Passes
5.00
3.08
3.34
Progressive Carries
1.51
0.58
0.44
Tackles
2.46
1.24
1.19
Interceptions
1.77
1.03
0.71
Blocks
1.34
1.68
1.59
Aerials Won
2.07
2.26
2.62
Stats taken from FBref
Torunarigha’s skillset on the ball and defensive prowess make him an ideal fit for Lopetegui’s system. His ability to distribute and defend effectively could be crucial for West Ham next season.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
A partnership between Torunarigha and Kilman could provide West Ham with a balanced and solid defensive pairing, complementing each other’s strengths and contributing to the team’s success.
Related
West Ham targeting £21m titan who’s an Aguerd & Kilman hybrid
As West Ham fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, the potential partnership of Torunarigha and Kilman offers promise for a strong defensive setup and exciting football ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on the Hammers’ transfer activities and squad preparations.
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