West Ham United are looking to sign Roma winger Justin Kluivert after they were turned down by Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma.
According to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta, “the forward (Kluivert) could leave the Giallorossi retreat in Portugal on Tuesday. He is mature and in great shape. The club have interest from France and the Premier League side West Ham.”
Justin Kluivert is the son of Netherlands legend Patrick Kluivert. The young Kluivert is only 23 but already boats experience playing in the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and France. He started his career at Ajax, where he scored 13 goals and got 10 assists in 56 appearances for the Dutch side.
This form in his homeland got him a move to Italy with Roma in 2018. He had a good start in the Italian capital, scoring in both the Champions League and Serie A. However, he has spent the last two season’s out on loan.
Firstly, Kluivert had a spell at RB Leipzig where in 27 appearances, he scored 4 goals, including one against Manchester United in the Champions League. Last season he was at Nice in France’s Ligue 1, he scored 4 goals and got 5 assists in 27 appearances.
Kluivert’s Role for West Ham?
Kluivert also has two appearances for the Netherlands but both his caps came back in 2018. If he can perform in the Premier League for West Ham he may force his way into Louis Van Gaal’s side. The World Cup in Qatar is just around the corner, and with some luck, he may get himself on the plane to the major tournament.
West Ham is looking to sign a winger after releasing Ukrainian Andriy Yarmolenko at the end of last season. The Hammers have also needed a striker since letting Sebastian Haller leave in January 2021.
Kluivert is predominantly a left-winger but can play on the right and in an attacking midfield role. He is also very good with both feet.
The club was interested in Villareal winger Arnut Danjuma. However, according to GOAL, Danjuma has rejected a move to the Hammers.
"West Ham United have seen their interest in Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma rebuffed.The Hammers are one of a number of Premier League teams interested in Danjuma’s services after an impressive 2021-22 season.But for now at least he will not be heading for England after turning down an offer from David Moyes’ side."
West Ham is also battling it out with Crystal Palace for Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and has been linked with former Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj.
They can be pleased with their transfer activity so far with David Moyes’ side already completing deals for defender Nayef Aguerd from Rennes, goalkeeper Alphonso Areola making a permanent move from PSG and the recent signing of midfielder Flynn Downes from Swansea.
West Ham still needs to strengthen in many areas and signing Kluivert would provide good competition for Pablo Fornals, Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini. After completing the signing of a winger, they must turn their attention to completing a deal for a long-awaited striker.
The club will need a big squad as they prepare for another season that includes European football, this time with the Europa Conference League.