If there’s been one major positive for West Ham this season, other than sitting second in the table and scoring goals for fun, it’s been the performances of Mohamadou Kanté.
The 21-year-old has been in fine for the Hammers so far, with three goals in eight games in the league and an assist in the EFL Cup as well.
It’s proving to be a breakout year, with four starts in eight so far, 602 minutes across 11 games in all competitions and plenty of praise coming his way.
West Ham impressed
And it seems his performances haven’t gone unnoticed back in France. RMC Sport profile the West Ham youngster today, and how the Hammers are feeling very pleased that they rejected summer interest in him.
The outlet reports that his goals have helped to ‘recall the qualities’ that West Ham owner David Sullivan saw back in 2024. Kanté was playing for Paris FC at that point. But he was brought in to West Ham’s U21 set in August that year.
He spent another year with the French side before moving to West Ham permanently in October last year. Now his ‘power, boldness, and ability to score from distance are now reaching a new level.’
Three goals and an assist are impressive enough. But official Championship stats have hi leading the league in distance covered per 90 minutes and he has the most goals scored as a substitute so far.
Sought after
That’s made him a sought-after profile. And there was already interest in the summer. RMC say that Fiorentina and a ‘prominent French club’ showed interest. But Sullivan intervened in that and wanted to give the midfielder his chance at the London Stadium.
Interest in him has extended beyond club level, though. While he’s eligible to play for Senegal, the 21-year-old is also on the radar of France’s U-21 team. That’s seen as further recognition for a player who is beginning to make a name for himself.
For now, the focus is on continuing to improve at West Ham. But the early signs are positive and have vindicated the decision to reject any interest in the summer.
