West Ham enter race for Serie A defender with £20 million price tag

Recently, French centre back Kurt Zouma left West Ham after three years at the London Stadium. Thus, West Ham are in the transfer market for a quality central defender to bolster their defensive ranks. Now, West Ham have set their sights on Udinese centre back Jaka Bijol, according to Messagero Veneto.

The 25-year-old defender, who started in all four matches for Slovenia in the UEFA Euro 2024 keeping two clean sheets, has garnered interest from several European clubs. Last season playing for Udinese, Bijol made 24 appearances in Serie A demonstrating both defensive solidity and game awareness. Bijol helped Udinese keep six clean sheets as the Italian club narrowly avoided relegation last season.

West Ham enter race for Serie A defender with £20 million price tag

His time in the Serie A has not gone unnoticed, with West Ham now keen to secure his services. Udinese have pegged Bijol's price at around £20 million, a figure that has piqued the interest of multiple Serie A clubs including Inter Milan. The Italian Champions have already initiated preliminary discussions with the player, though no formal offer has been made.

Should Bijol make the switch to the London Stadium, he would become the starting centre back alongside summer signing Max Kilman. With other centre back options like Nayef Aguerd linked with a transfer move this summer and Konstantinos Mavropanos as the third choice centre back, the Udinese defender would likely find ample opportunities to shine under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham have been active in the transfer market this summer, and their pursuit of Bijol aligns with their goal to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season. The Hammers management is reportedly considering about the prospect of adding the defender to their ranks, and Bijol would be keen to move to the Premier League.

With West Ham and Inter Milan both vying for Bijol's signature, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining his future. With still three weeks remaining in the transfer window, it remains to be seen if West Ham start negotiations with Udinese to sign Bijol this summer.