The saga surrounding Henry Onyekuru continues, three weeks after the end of the Belgian season, but, as things stand, West Ham appear to be in the lead.
This is what DH report on Friday as they look at the Nigerian forward’s situation, and claim the Hammers have made a bid of around €8m.
However, with England having recently changed the criteria to gain a work permit, and Onyekuru having just one cap for Nigeria so far, a few things need to happen before a move can happen.
The brilliant Daniel Geey website explains the requirements.
In order to get his work permit, the fee taking him from KAS Eupen to the London Stadium needs to be ‘between the 50th and 75th % of all transfers to Premier League clubs in the previous two windows’, which DH claim is €8.95m.
The other is that his wages need to be ‘between the 50th and 75th % of all the top 30 earners at the club’, which, even at West Ham, is likely to be a lot.
Still, the Belgian outlet claim West Ham are preparing an improved bid to meet these requirements.
But, as has been previously reported, the Hammers are not the only ones trying to sign the player, with Anderlecht also rather keen.
As long as he hasn’t signed for a Premier League side, the Jupiler League champions still have a chance of getting their man.
One way they could do this is by convincing him to sign for them instead of a Premier League club, which would be rather difficult considering moving to England is Onyekuru’s dream.
The other, and one that seems far more feasible, would be for a club in England to buy the 20-year-old and then loan him to them for the upcoming season.
According to DH, there is one club in England, not West Ham, prepared to do this.
That’s the latest.
In short, West Ham are favourites, but Anderlecht still have a chance.
