West Ham United are in the mix to sign FC Utrecht’s Souffian El Karouani in the winter market.
The left-back has impressed this season and even contributed three goals and 15 assists from 29 matches. He’s also in his final year of contract, making him a market opportunity.
Three days ago, De Telegraaf reported West Ham, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bologna, FC Porto and Benfica are all keen. They also stated he could change clubs in the next window.
RTV Utrecht now report the 25-year-old is ‘on his way to West Ham’.
On Sunday, El Karouani played the full 90 minutes in his side’s 2-1 league defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
Player clearly tempted by West Ham
After the match, RTV Utrecht caught up with the West Ham target to find out his plans for January. When responding to that, the fullback made it sound like a move is in the works.
“It could happen, or it might not. In any case, I haven’t said goodbye in the dressing room yet. I haven’t said a word [about the situation],” he said.
The outlet then mentions West Ham and claims they ‘desperately’ need to improve their defence. Nuno Espírito Santo currently has El Hadji Malick Diouf and Oliver Scarles as two left-back /wing-backs at his disposal. The former is currently with Senegal at AFCON.
RTV Utrecht specifically asks El Karouani about the Hammers links.
“It could happen. It’s a great club. My agent is working on my behalf. I’m waiting to see what happens. I can look back on a wonderful year in Utrecht,” El Karouani explained.
