Ellyes Skhiri has addressed rumours surrounding his future, via Bild, amid claims the Cologne midfielder’s agent has offered the Roma and Fiorentina target to West Ham United.
His situation is the hot topic at the RheinEnergieSTADION on the eve of the new Bundesliga season. Steffen Baumgart’s side kick things off on Sunday against Hertha Berlin, after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Carl Zeiss Jena in the DFB Pokal.
Skhiri scored Cologne’s equaliser to send the tie into extra-time, to show West Ham the goal threat he offers. Bild reported last month the 26-year-old’s agent, Fali Ramadani, had offered the Tunisia international to the Irons. The Express had already cited interest in him.
Now, Bild add Fiorentina and Roma also want Skhiri, and he’s open to leaving Cologne.
“I think the situation is clear to me and the club,” Skhiri said. “I’m here and do my best, but if there is a good opportunity to take the next step, then I’m open to it. Playing in a European competition would, of course, be a new step for me to advance.”
Cologna consider Skhiri their most prized asset, but would sell the Tunisian for offers over €10m (£8.5m). The Bundesliga outfit are resigned to selling key players due to the financial losses brought on by the pandemic.
But Skhiri is prepared to stay for another season if Cologne reject all offers, including from West Ham. He added: “As long as the situation is clear to me, that’s understandable and I accept it. As long as I’m here, I want to help the team and I’m glad that I can do that with my goal in the cup. If, in the end, nothing happens, then I’ll be happy to stay.”
Skhiri offers West Ham hope of Cologne deal amid Roma and Fiorentina interest
Skhiri’s comments offer West Ham hope of signing the 36-cap international from Cologne this summer, amid Fiorentina and Roma’s interest. David Moyes can match the Tunisian’s desires to play in Europe next season, unlike his Serie A rivals.
Fiorentina ended 2020/21 just seven-points above the bottom three, while Roma finished seventh, 15-points outside the Europa League places. Cologne were never challenging for a European berth in the Bundesliga, either, beating the drop only via the relegation play-off.
But that should not stop West Ham from raiding Cologne to add Skhiri to Moyes’ engine room this summer. Especially if the Billy Goats are open to selling for around the £8.5m Bild claim. The 26-year-old can create and score, but thrives the most in protecting the backline. He is not afraid to waltz forward after winning possession, either, with a delicate touch.
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