West Ham Monitoring Udinese Defender Amid Growing Interest from Premier League | OneFootball

West Ham United Monitoring Udinese’s Oumar Solet for Summer Transfer

As West Ham United continues to strengthen their squad under Graham Potter, a key area of focus this summer is the centre-back position. The Hammers are reportedly monitoring Oumar Solet, the French defender currently playing for Udinese. Solet, who joined the Italian club on a free transfer in January 2025, has caught the attention of several clubs due to his strong performances in Serie A.

Solet’s Rise at Udinese and Interest from Premier League Clubs

Solet’s journey to Udinese has been somewhat unconventional. After his contract at RB Salzburg was terminated in September 2024, the 25-year-old joined Udinese as a free agent. Since his arrival, he has made a significant impact, with his strength, speed, and defensive attributes making him an appealing prospect for clubs across Europe. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several clubs from Italy, including Lazio and Inter Milan, already keeping a close eye on his progress.

Photo: IMAGO

According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United are among the clubs tracking Solet’s progress, with one other Premier League club also reportedly showing interest. Sources have indicated that while nothing has yet advanced beyond monitoring, West Ham is keen on adding him to their squad this summer. The French defender’s physicality and modern defensive attributes make him a suitable fit for the Premier League, and his ability to play as part of a high-line defence will be key in Potter’s rebuilding project at the London Stadium.

Udinese’s Position and Solet’s Potential Departure

While Udinese is pleased with Solet’s contributions since his arrival, the club is aware of the growing interest in the player. Despite the Frenchman having joined Udinese only recently, the club is reportedly open to offers. With Solet eager to take the next step in his career, the Serie A side may be prepared to let him go should a substantial bid come in.

Udinese’s position is further complicated by the fact that Solet’s contract runs until 2028, but his exceptional performances have positioned him as a sought-after player for the upcoming transfer window. West Ham United’s potential interest could make for an intriguing summer battle, with the Hammers hoping to secure a young and dynamic centre-back for the long term.

West Ham’s Other Transfer Targets for Summer

West Ham United’s transfer activity doesn’t stop with Solet. The club is also keeping tabs on Lille’s Angel Gomes, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Despite an initial approach being rejected by Gomes and Lille, the Hammers are reportedly preparing to make another attempt to bring the England international midfielder to London Stadium. With a need for a versatile midfielder capable of playing in both a No. 8 and No. 6 role, Gomes could fit the bill as West Ham look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2025-2026 season.

Photo IMAGO

Additionally, the Hammers are reportedly pursuing Chris Rigg from Sunderland, though they face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature. Similarly, interest in AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, currently on loan at AC Milan, suggests that West Ham are looking to enhance their attacking options this summer. As the window approaches, it’s clear that Potter has identified several key areas to address, with centre-back and midfield being top priorities.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

West Ham’s interest in Oumar Solet is promising, especially considering the club’s need for a long-term centre-back solution. The Frenchman’s performances at Udinese demonstrate that he has the necessary physical attributes and maturity to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. His ability to step up from Serie A to a high-paced league like England’s top flight is an exciting prospect for Hammers fans, and his relatively affordable price could make him a sensible addition to the squad.

However, it’s also important to remain cautious. Solet’s time in Serie A has been brief, and while his potential is clear, there are always questions when transitioning to a new league. West Ham fans will hope that if Solet is brought in, he will be the missing piece in the club’s defensive puzzle. Alongside his potential move, securing a player like Angel Gomes would add another dimension to the squad, and together with Solet, West Ham could build a team that is more competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

At the same time, the club’s ambition needs to be measured. While Solet and Gomes are promising, they shouldn’t be the only signings this summer. If West Ham are serious about pushing for European qualification, they need to invest in multiple areas of the squad to ensure the team’s competitiveness. If done right, the summer transfer window could mark the beginning of a new era at London Stadium.