West Ham’s plans to bolster their midfield with a signing of Carlos Soler from Paris Saint-Germain hinge on their ability to generate funds through player sales before the transfer window closes.
Discussions have commenced regarding a move for Soler, who PSG values at approximately £20 million. However, West Ham are closely monitoring their financial situation following a substantial summer outlay exceeding £100 million on eight new first-team players. They are aiming to offload peripheral players to balance the books before the transfer window ends next week.
The club is looking to reduce their wage expenses by finding a new destination for Kurt Zouma, who has fallen out of favor in defense with the recent acquisitions of Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman. Zouma’s proposed transfer to Shabab Al-Ahli failed due to a medical issue, and West Ham is now exploring alternative options for the defender, who has attracted interest from several Middle Eastern clubs.
West Ham faces challenges in offloading players not part of Julen Lopetegui’s plans, as the market is currently constrained by concerns over Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations. High-wage individuals might be reluctant to move. The club is actively seeking buyers for Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd and former Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet, and will consider offers for veteran strikers Danny Ings and Michail Antonio, both of whom have significant salary demands.
Lopetegui has already added one central midfielder this summer with the free transfer of Argentina’s Guido Rodríguez, but is eager to strengthen the midfield further. Soler, a 27-year-old Spanish international, is a key target.
A potential solution for West Ham could involve securing Soler on an initial loan deal, with an option or obligation to buy. They are aware of Soler’s high wages at PSG. Currently, West Ham’s midfield options include James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, Edson Álvarez, and Lucas Paqueta, with Lewis Orford and Freddie Potts also aiming to make an impact from the academy.
In other transfer news, Nottingham Forest has secured Alex Moreno on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with the option to make the move permanent. Moreno, who featured 29 times for Villa last season, was part of the squad that qualified for the Champions League and reached the semi-finals of the Conference League.
