24-year-old star said no to West Ham transfer - Celtic & Sunderland were linked | OneFootball

West Ham were turned down by Sofiane El-Faouzi in their pursuit of midfield reinforcements this summer

Soufiane El-Faouzi turned down a chance to sign for West Ham during the summer transfer window.

It has been reported by Sport Bild, as relayed by Buli News, that the midfielder rejected the opportunity to move to the London Stadium.

The Hammers were searching for reinforcements in that area throughout the summer, and eventually signed Arne Engels from Celtic in a Championship record deal.

The Belgian made the switch to the Hammers in a deal worth a reported £22 million, and he has quickly cemented himself as a key part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s first team plans.

West Ham sold Mateus Fernandes at the beginning of the transfer market following their relegation from the Premier League, which led to Engels’ arrival as his replacement.

But Engels wasn’t the only midfielder linked with a move to the Hammers in the aftermath of the Portuguese’s exit from the club.

West Ham had Schalke deal turned down

Action Images

It’s believed that West Ham reached an agreement with Schalke for El-Faouzi, as they searched for midfield reinforcements in the final weeks of the transfer window.

It’s been claimed that a deal worth €10 (£8.5) million was agreed between the two clubs, but that the player turned down the chance to sign for the Hammers.

The 24-year-old wanted to remain with the Bundesliga side, having helped the club gain promotion last season.

He started all 34 of their 2. Bundesliga games, contributing two goals and five assists, as they won the title on their way back to the top flight under Miron Muslic.

El-Faouzi signed for Schalke last summer, and he agreed a new deal with the club in July to keep him in Gelsenkirchen until June 2030.

It was reported early in the transfer market that both Sunderland and Celtic were also interested in the midfielder.

West Ham’s summer signings

Engels was the major signing of the summer for West Ham, with the midfielder arriving from Celtic in a record deal.

But the Hammers completed a total of nine signings, with Edvin Austbo, Manor Solomon, Keiber Lamadrid and Joel Veltman all arriving on a permanent basis.

Adama Boiro, Morato, Joel Piroe and Divine Mukasa all joined on loan, with the London outfit hoping these additions can help power the club to promotion this season.

Next up for West Ham is a clash against Derby County on 5 September in a 3pm kick-off.

Action Images

Arne Engels signing makes up for Soufiane El-Faouzi disappointment

Engels was one of several midfielders linked with West Ham, with El-Faouzi also seemingly on their radar as well after Fernandes’ exit.

And the Belgian is perhaps the most exciting addition the club could’ve realistically made after their relegation to the Championship.

The Belgian has made a strong first impression at the London Stadium, and it’s clear he’ll be a key part of Espírito Santo’s plans this season.

If he can help West Ham earn their place back in the Premier League, then supporters won’t care that they missed out on the Schalke deal, even if El-Faouzi could’ve been a smart addition.