West Ham United have been dealt a significant blow in their January transfer window efforts, with a key defensive target now off the table as Newcastle United have agreed a deal for Jamaal Lascelles to join Championship side Leicester City.
Defensive Struggles Continue for the Hammers
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been actively seeking to strengthen West Ham's backline, which has been a persistent issue throughout the season. The team currently holds the unenviable record of conceding the most goals in the Premier League, with 48 let in so far this term.
Reliance on defenders such as Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, and Konstantinos Mavropanos has not yielded consistent performances, exacerbating the defensive woes. A recent red card for Todibo in a match against Chelsea only added to the challenges faced by Nuno and his squad.
Lascelles Emerges as a Target
In response to these struggles, West Ham had identified Jamaal Lascelles as a potential solution. The 32-year-old centre-back, with 177 Premier League appearances to his name, was seen as an experienced option to bolster the defensive ranks.
Reports from various outlets, including The Sun, indicated Hammers interest in the Newcastle United stalwart, who has been at St James' Park for 11 years and is the last remaining player from their 2017 Championship-winning team.
Newcastle's Motives and Leicester's Move
Newcastle United were keen to offload Lascelles to alleviate pressure on their wage bill, making him available for transfer. However, instead of a move to West Ham, Leicester City have stepped in to secure his services.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that a medical is underway, with a deal agreed between Newcastle and Leicester on Deadline Day. This development leaves West Ham scrambling for alternatives as the transfer window draws to a close.
Managerial Reactions and Future Prospects
Eddie Howe, Newcastle's manager, praised Lascelles as an incredible servant and leader, acknowledging the possibility of his departure. Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo has emphasised the need for West Ham to continue recruiting players, following the arrivals of Taty Castellanos, Pablo, and Adama Traore this month.
He stated, We still have days to go, and the club is working very hard. We expect things to happen, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address defensive shortcomings.
With Lascelles now heading to Leicester, West Ham must explore other options, such as Toulouse's Charlie Cresswell or former Spurs defender Eric Dier, to shore up their defence before the deadline passes.
