Fans in big mood as West Ham signing £12.5m Serie A Defender – This is Huge
West Ham United have reportedly joined the battle to sign Genoa’s highly-rated centre-back Koni De Winter before the January transfer window slams shut on 3 February, according to Mondo Udinese.
The Italian outlet, reporting on 1 January, claims that the Hammers are not alone in their pursuit of the 22-year-old Belgian defender. AS Roma have already been tracking him, and AC Milan have also entered the race in the last few hours, making the competition for his signature increasingly fierce.
Despite growing interest from multiple clubs, Genoa are reportedly reluctant to part ways with De Winter midway through the season, given his importance to their defensive structure. However, they would consider selling if a club is willing to meet their valuation, which currently stands at around £12.5 million (€15 million).
Defensive Reinforcements a Priority for Potter?
As West Ham approach the final weeks of the transfer window, Graham Potter faces two key dilemmas: strengthening his defence and finding an additional striker.
With Jarrod Bowen edging closer to a return from injury, attacking options will receive a welcome boost. However, the ongoing injury concerns surrounding Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug have left Potter in need of another striker. While the team’s wingers have managed to keep the goals flowing, the situation up front remains precarious.
The real concern, however, lies at the back. West Ham’s defensive frailties have been a glaring issue this season, with only four teams in the Premier League conceding more goals than the Hammers. While Jean-Clair Todibo is an exciting talent, Max Kilman and Konstantinos Mavropanos have been Potter’s preferred centre-back pairing in recent weeks. However, that partnership has yet to deliver consistent results, with the team winning just one of their last six matches.
With only three senior centre-backs available for an entire Premier League campaign, defensive depth remains a major concern. Julen Lopetegui had previously raised this issue, and while Kaelan Casey’s promotion has provided some cover, it is unlikely to be enough for the remainder of the season.
That is why securing an additional centre-back before the window closes could prove vital in West Ham’s bid for a strong second half of the campaign.
Why De Winter?
De Winter could be the ideal solution for Potter’s defensive woes. The Belgian has gained valuable experience in Serie A, having played for Juventus, Empoli, and Genoa. His versatility, composure on the ball, and ability to play out from the back would make him a valuable addition to West Ham’s squad.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old earned his first cap for Belgium last year, underlining his potential to develop into a top-level defender. Given his age and experience, he represents both an immediate solution and a long-term investment for the Hammers.
With Roma and Milan also circling, West Ham will need to act fast if they want to secure De Winter’s signature. Whether the club is prepared to meet Genoa’s asking price remains to be seen, but with the deadline looming, Potter and his recruitment team will have to make a decision soon.
