West Ham set wheels in motion as Moyes aims to beat Newcastle, Leicester to problem-solving transfer
West Ham United have reportedly made contact with Mainz over the services of speedy defender Jeremiah St Juste, who may just solve a Hammers problem.
St Juste has been plying his trade for Mainz for approaching three seasons. The centre-back has made 69 appearances for the German side since his £7.2million move from Feyenoord in 2019.
He missed just two matches last season in which Mainz finished mid-table in 12th. This season, St Juste has been hampered by a shoulder injury that has kept him out for 19 games to this point.
Of the eight league games St Juste has featured in this term, Mainz have kept four clean sheets.
Furthermore, it appears the centre-back is a man in demand. Newcastle United and Leicester City have both been linked with the pacy defender.
However, it appears West Ham are in the box seat in terms of Premier League clubs. Indeed, it seems they are wasting no time in throwing their hat in the ring.
A Bola, via Hammers.News, reports that the Hammers have already made contact with Mainz regarding a summer deal.
The report states that a sum of £6.2million could be enough to prise St Juste away from the side.
However, there is also apparent interest from Sporting Lisbon mentioned.
As such, West Ham may have to pay slightly more to guarantee landing the centre-back. However, his contract is up in 2023, so the deal is unlikely to be too expensive either way.
St Juste could solve West Ham problems
At 25 years of age, St Juste likely has longevity on his side. As such, he could be a competent player in the Premier League for years to come.
What’s more, West Ham’s backline has been hampered by injuries this season. Kurt Zouma has spent two different periods on the sidelines and Angelo Ogbonna has been out since November.
That has highlighted the Hammers’ need for reinforcements at centre-back. Craig Dawson and Issa Diop have been the only senior centre-backs available on multiple occasions.
While David Moyes has coped with his side’s depth problems, he will likely be keen to rectify them with another European campaign next season looking likely. In addition, both Ogbonna and Dawson are already north of 30 years old.
As such, adding St Juste to the defence would be a solution to a host of issues.
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