IAI Transfer News 19 June
Transfer Target Profile: Koni De Winter
Koni De Winter is a promising 23-year-old who is primarily a centre-back but can also play at right-back. At 6 ft 3, he's known for his aerial prowess and versatility.
De Winter began his youth career in Belgium before joining Juventus's academy in 2018. He progressed through their ranks, featuring for the U19 and U23 (Juventus Next Gen) teams, and made a few senior appearances for Juventus, including becoming their youngest-ever Champions League starter in 2021.
After loan spells at Empoli and Genoa, where he impressed with consistent performances, De Winter made his move to Genoa permanent in July 2024. He has since become a key figure in their defence, attracting interest from several top European clubs.
De Winter has also earned caps for the Belgian national team, highlighting his rising profile in international football.
In
Under new manager Graham Potter, West Ham's recruitment strategy appears to be focusing on younger, dynamic players who fit a likely a back-three. The only confirmed permanent signing so far is centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice for a reported £36.3m, after his loan spell last season. He will be a crucial component in Potter's defensive setup.
In defence, the club is reportedly vying with Crystal Palace for Genoa defender Koni De Winter. De Winter, a promising young centre-back, would align with Potter's aim to lower the squad's average age.
Midfield reinforcements are also a priority. West Ham has been strongly linked with Club Brugge's Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika. At 24, Onyedika is seen as a versatile and energetic option who could inject much-needed dynamism into the midfield, fitting Potter's desire for a more intense and possession-oriented style of play. He is reportedly comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker or even a makeshift centre-back.
In attack, Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz has been a recurrent name in transfer speculation. The 25-year-old Turkish international can play across the front line and his ability to hold his own out wide would be a valuable asset. West Ham are reportedly facing competition from Nottingham Forest for his signature.
Out
The most high-profile ongoing depature is Mohammed Kudus. Despite a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, Kudus has reportedly indicated his desire to remain in Europe. The club have set a £65m asking price, with a higher release clause for early July. Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle are all reported to be interested. The club has already rejected a player-plus-cash deal from Chelsea. Kudus' potential sale is seen as vital to funding further acquisitions and providing Potter with a significant transfer budget.
Several long-serving and experienced players have officially departed as their contracts expire on 30 June. Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings, along with Kurt Zouma, who spent last season on loan in Saudi Arabia, will leave the club permanently. Loan players Carlos Soler and Evan Ferguson Brighton have returned to their parent clubs.
The future of Michail Antonio is still to be decided after his serious road traffic accident in December, though his contract also expires this month.
West Ham's budget could be bolstered by further sales, with players like Niclas Fullkrug, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Guido Rodriguez, and Emerson Palmieri all potentially available for transfer if suitable offers arrive.
Shake it all about
The club is also navigating a complex situation with a delayed $10M transfer payment to CSKA Moscow for Nikola Vlašić due to UK sanctions.
Sources
Confirmed departures (Cresswell, Fabianski, Coufal, Ings, Zouma, Soler, Ferguson, Antonio)
https://www.whufc.com/news/club-statement-cresswell-fabianski-coufal-and-ings-depart
https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11685/13210475/west-ham-latest-news
Jean-Clair Todibo permanent transfer fee
https://westhamblog.co.uk/posts/west-ham-obliged-to-pay-36-3m-for-jean-clair-todibo-after-securing-premier-league-survival
https://www.transferfeed.com/transfers/jean-clair-todibo-nice-west-ham-united/2441979
Michail Antonio's future
https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11685/13210475/west-ham-latest-news
Players potentially for sale (Fullkrug, Mavropanos, Rodriguez, Palmieri)
https://www.footballtransferleague.co.uk/clubs/west_ham) (Mentions full squad list with potential sales)
Daniel Cummings interest
https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11685/13210475/west-ham-latest-news
Nikola Vlašić payment discussions
https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11685/13210475/west-ham-latest-news