West Ham United Are Interested In Signing This Udinese Emerging Star: Good Move From The English Side? | OneFootball

Premier League club West Ham United are keen on bringing in the summer transfer window, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato. The club believe in his abilities and want to invest early to get the dividends later on.

The Serbian international will cost around €30 million, which the Hammers can fulfil. However, Barcelona and Juventus have also registered their interest in the youngster. They will prove to be a lucrative move due to the Champions League berth.

Lazar Samardzic is a top prospect

Lazar Samardzic represented many clubs at the youth level before making a move to Udinese in 2021. Despite being born in Germany, he decided to play for Serbia in the international arena. Over the past few seasons, he has emerged as a promising talent in the Serie A.

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Lazar Samardzic of Udinese Calcio in action during the Serie A TIM match between ACF Fiorentina and Udinese Calcio – Serie A TIM at Stadio Artemio Franchi on January 14, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The 22-year-old has featured in 25 games this season, scoring thrice and providing two assists. He is averaging 1.5 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game. Although his role has been reduced in the side over the past few weeks (stats via whoscored).

Samardzic has good dribbling skills and vision to provide key passes. He is also effective in taking set pieces and shooting from long range. However, he needs to work on his passing and tackling. The young midfielder has enough time to improve on these aspects and polish into a complete package.

West Ham United wanted to sign Lazar Samardzic last summer but the deal didn’t materialize. Now they are ready to make another attempt to get his signature in the coming months. Their alleged interest in the midfielder is understandable.

With the arrivals of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez last summer, the Hammers are unlikely to buy Kalvin Phillips on a permanent deal. Hence, they want to add depth to the midfield unit with the arrival of the Serbian international ahead of next season.