West Ham United showed interest in OH Leuven’s Ezechiel Banzuzi in the winter market.
On January 7th, we covered claims from Belgium and the Netherlands which stated the Hammers were trying to hijack AS Monaco’s move to sign the 19-year-old.
Later that month, Voetbal International journalist Joost Blaauwhof said Banzuzi ruled out Monaco, while West Ham were still chasing him. Claims from Belgium explained Graham Potter’s side had sent a letter of interest to Leuven.
West Ham and other interested clubs weren’t able to sign the midfielder in the recently concluded window.
Leuven sporting director György Csepregi has been talking about the winter market and Het Nieuwsblad cover his comments. He mentioned the West Ham target and understands the youngster isn’t happy he didn’t move.
Csepregi refused to mention the details of clubs, but revealed Banzuzi had interest from England, Italy and Spain in January when asked if missing out on a move was difficult for the player.
“I don’t talk to him about transfers and money, only with his brothers and agent. But it is logical that a 19-year-old boy who receives interest from clubs from La Liga, Ligue 1 and the Premier League is not fully focused. You also saw that in the matches. But so, would I,” he said.
“I can’t blame him and perhaps it’s even a good thing that he is suspended. This way we can give him some space this week to make the switch next week.
“He must do that in order to be able to make his transfer in the summer and not miss the U21 European championship. So, from next week the focus must return to OHL.”
The director then gave hope to West Ham and Banzuzi’s other interested parties to sign him in the summer.
“We have agreed with Eze that he’ll finish the season. We will definitely give him the next step in the summer. He’s completely outgrown the competition, hasn’t he? He plays on one leg,” Csepregi explained.
