ExWHUemployee has stated that reports linking Dan-Axel Zagadou with a free transfer to West Ham United are ‘wide of the mark’.
According to an article by Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Hammers are ‘ready to put many pounds on the table’ to bring in the defender.
On top of that, the story has heated up recently, with RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins tweeting that West Ham have offered a four-year contract to the player, who is currently without a club.
However, in response to this news, Ex explained on The West Ham Way’s Patreon page that his sources don’t seem to think there is any truth to the story.
Indeed, he wrote: “We have asked one of our main transfer sources on the truth behind the Dan-Axel Zagadou free transfer story and the response we got was, ‘not that I am aware of, no’. This is the same source that told us that the club do not wish to explore free transfer signings due to the period of time they take to get match-fit.
“Looking at Zagadou’s injury record, it would also suggest he may take longer than others to get up to scratch. The injury record would also be a concern to the club.
“Whilst we understand that Zagadou has been brought to our attention via his agent and his obvious availability, talks that we are in the lead and a 4-year deal has been agreed upon seem wide of the mark. Another source has also said they are unaware of the transfer, too.”
TIF Thoughts on Dan-Axel Zagadou and West Ham…
Having left Borussia Dortmund this summer, Zagadou is available to pick up for free and so that could make him a tempting prospect – especially considering he is just 23 years of age and has plenty of Champions League experience.
Still, Ex has recently reported that West Ham have no intentions to sign any players now the transfer market has shut as it will take too much time for new arrivals to get up to full fitness, seeing as they haven’t had a proper pre-season. And with the defender’s sketchy injury past – missing 52 games in the previous two seasons alone – this may be a particularly notable issue to consider.
With that in mind, on top of this latest snippet of information, it does seem as though those reports linking the Hammers with a move for Zagadou may well be nothing more than his agent trying to drum up interest as he seeks out a new club.
Would you want Dan-Axel Zagadou at West Ham?
Yes
No
