West Ham are reportedly considering a move to sign Bayern Munich defender Tanguy Nianzou as a replacement for Issa Diop – a player compared to Mats Hummels, and branded “incredibly strong” by Julian Nagelsmann.
Nianzou, 20, could be allowed to leave Bayern this summer. Joining from PSG in the summer of 2020, he has only managed 28 appearances in his two seasons in Germany. West Ham are about to sell Issa Diop to Fulham.
West Ham do have options at centre-back. Craig Dawson remains a crucial part of the side, Kurt Zouma is first choice and Nayef Aguerd was brought in from Rennes this summer. However, the Algerian has suffered an injury.
With Diop leaving, West Ham need another central defender. Especially, with the Hammers in Europa Conference League action. So, having a player perhaps happy to sit on the bench and play in the Cup is important.
Nianzou is perfect. At 20, he knows he will not play every game but if he plays 20-30 times a season, he will be satisfied. But he has enormous potential, compared to Hummels by the Bundesliga website in a player profile piece.
Bayern manager Nagelsmann has said: “He’s incredibly strong in the air, probably our strongest defender in the air. He has a very good character. An unbelievable aggressiveness and a winning mentality that is extraordinary.”
West Ham considering Nianzou: Compared to Hummels
Nianzou is an enormous talent. To be compared to a German footballing legend such as Hummels is enormous praise. As is the verdict given by Nagelsmann, saying he is the best in the air at the football club in terms of defenders.
So, he would be a sensational signing for the Hammers. It is unclear how much he would cost. But Bayern would be making a profit regardless of the fee – having signed him from PSG on a free. Moyes must act on Nianzou this summer.
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