West Ham United have made a decisive move in the transfer market, submitting a formal £17 million bid for AS Monaco's promising young defender, Soungoutou Magassa. The 20-year-old Frenchman, who has already broken into Monaco's first team, is seen as a prime target for new Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui.
The East London club is actively seeking to strengthen its defensive line, and Magassa's versatility—he can operate both as a centre-back and a defensive midfielder—makes him an attractive prospect. His current contract with the Ligue 1 giants runs until June 2025, meaning Monaco are under no immediate pressure to sell their academy product.
Who is West Ham's Defensive Target?
Magassa is not just another prospect; he is a certified talent with experience on Europe's stage. Having made 22 appearances for Monaco last season, including outings in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, he has proven he can perform at the highest level. His composure on the ball and physical presence have drawn comparisons to some of Ligue 1's finest defenders.
His credentials are further bolstered by his involvement with the French U21 national team, marking him as one of the country's most exciting defensive talents for the future.
A Strategic Move by Lopetegui
This pursuit signals Julen Lopetegui's intent to build a robust, youthful squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The potential acquisition of Magassa would be a significant coup, providing much-needed depth and quality to West Ham's backline. The club's hierarchy is reportedly confident that their offer will be enough to initiate serious negotiations with the Principality club.
While the initial bid is on the table, transfer insiders suggest West Ham may need to be prepared to increase their offer to fend off potential competition and meet Monaco's valuation for their prized asset.
