Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United defender Issa Diop is ‘on the brink’ of joining Lyon.
Already this summer, the Hammers have signed a new centre-back in the form of Nayef Aguerd – who arrived from Rennes for a reported fee of £30m.
This, however, seems to have opened the door for a defensive sale. Indeed, earlier on in June, Ex claimed that Diop was likely to be sold this summer and it now seems as though that story has developed a little further.
While speaking about the player on The West Ham Way Patreon, the presenter explained his full understanding of the situaition, revealing that talks with Lyon have ‘progressed’.
Ex said: “We first reported Lyon’s interest in Issa Diop on the 21st May and then claimed on the 16th June that the club would look to sell the player as soon as Aguerd was completed.
“It appears that talks with Lyon have progressed and he could be on the brink of moving to our Europa League opponents.”
Should West Ham sell Issa Diop?
Yes
No
TIF thoughts on Issa Diop and West Ham…
In fairness to Diop, if he is the one pushing for an exit you could hardly blame him. After all, last season he started just 10 Premier League games, and with Aguerd now added to the team his minutes would likely diminish even further.
Taking that into account, it’s not hard to see why West Ham are seemingly happy enough to sell him. His sale could help ease the finances after splashing that £30m on their new defender.
Lyon, though, may well feel as though they are getting a decent signing too. The Frenchman is still only 25 years 0f age and arrives having played a reasonable role in the Hammers’ impressive run to the Europa League semi final.
All in all, this move looks like it could suit all parties.