West Ham United In The Mix For This Juventus Fullback: Why They Must Secure His Services | OneFootball

TuttoJuve is believed to be true, West Ham United are keeping close tabs on Juventus defender Nicolò Savona. But they are not alone in the hunt. Premier League rivals Everton and Bournemouth, and the reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, are willing to splash a fee of around €25m to secure his signing.

The 21-year-old Azzurri youth international progressed through Juventus’ academy ranks since joining them from Aygreville at the age of 8. He had a youth loan with SPAL before breaking into the Bianconeri’s reserves in 2022. After more than 60 appearances for their Primavera team in Serie C, Savona got promoted to the senior squad under former boss Thiago Motta.

The youngster has primarily featured as a right fullback since last summer, but was deployed from the left on a few occasions before sustaining a thigh strain in February. Motta was relieved from his duties last month, and his successor, Igor Tudor, has only brought Savona in twice as a late substitute, regardless of his availability following the brief injury layoff.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Nicolo Savona of Juventus passes the ball under pressure from Borna Sosa of Torino during the Serie A match between Torino and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Despite 33 first-team appearances so far this season, the defensive prodigy could be shipped out for the right offer. Juventus are assessing the option of bringing Koni De Winter back from Genoa, and the Hammers, too, are reportedly in the mix for the 22-year-old Belgium international. A sell-on clause would see the Old Lady pay around €15m to re-sign him from the Rossoblù, and therefore, hold an advantage over the Premier League outfit, who are aiming for revival with significant summer reinforcements.

Why West Ham United Must Tie Him Down

Although the owners appointed Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United have dropped to 17th in the Premier League standings. They might have escaped relegation, thanks to the dismal show from all three newly-promoted outfits, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton, but the former Brighton and Chelsea boss must turn things around to prevent further downfall. He needs players who would fit in his style of play, and Savona, with two league goals, has exhibited his balanced approach between defence and attack.

The Irons have two right-backs in Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Vladimír Coufal. The latter, however, has lost his starting status to Wan-Bissaka and is expected to part ways in a couple of months upon the expiration of his West Ham contract. Savona would be a quality alternative to challenge and cover the former Manchester United fullback, but they must step up the chase before the transfer race heats up.