German newspaper Bild reports on Friday that West Ham are keen on signing former Arsenal player Johan Djourou. It’s claimed Crystal Palace were keen to get Djourou during the January transfer window but couldn’t get a deal with Hamburg over the line.
A summer move would be much easier, regardless of whether Hamburg remain in the Bundesliga or face relegation to Bundesliga 2. Then West Ham would have a relatively easy route to the 30 year old, as long as player wants a London return.
Djourou’s contract ends in June, so West Ham can even start talks now and wouldn’t have to pay Hamburg a transfer fee. The German club would like to keep the defender but given their current league position they’re in no position to negotiate a new deal.
It may be considered that Slaven Bilic could find better for West Ham, but as a squad option, Johan Djourou may not be the worst idea, at least he has experience of playing in England. Sam Allardyce may reignite Crystal Palace’s interest between now and the summer, and Djourou could be a possible option regardless of retaining Premier League status.
