Reports from Italy this week have delivered a clear message to West Ham United: if they believe they can tempt one of Europe’s elite full-backs to the London Stadium, they might need a reality check.
Italian outlets have painted a less-than-flattering picture of West Ham’s chances, likening their pursuit of a top-tier star to a schoolkid awkwardly asking out the most popular girl in class—only to be promptly embarrassed in front of everyone. The tone may be harsh, but the point is unmistakable.
Despite that, West Ham are not shy about thinking big ahead of the January window. Money may be limited, making loan deals likely, but the club has still explored ambitious options. They have positioned themselves as a potential solution to Kobbie Mainoo’s struggles at Manchester United, while also being linked with players from Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Targets mentioned include Bayern’s Sacha Boey and Barcelona’s promising midfielder Pedro “Dro” Fernandez. Hammers News has also confirmed that the club held talks with Real Madrid in October regarding young forwards Gonzalo Garcia and Endrick.
But one name looks firmly out of reach: Inter Milan’s flying right-back Denzel Dumfries.
Italian media dismiss West Ham’s chances of landing Dumfries
Gazzetta dello Sport published an in-depth update on Dumfries’ situation, highlighting his £22 million release clause and the widespread interest expected once it becomes active. The Dutch defender has long been linked with Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa, and Gazzetta report that West Ham also made an enquiry at some point.
However, their stance is brutal: Dumfries will only consider a move to a club operating at a significantly higher level than West Ham.
“If a big club comes forward, Denzel is open. If a club of West Ham’s calibre makes an approach as has already happened he’ll remain in Milan,” the publication claimed.
Dumfries, now 29, has already seen competition intensify for his place at Inter, particularly following the signing of 23-year-old Luis Henrique from Marseille. Injury issues and a recent change of agent have added further uncertainty to his situation, but even so, a switch to the London Stadium is considered highly unlikely.
Should West Ham even be targeting another right-back?
While Dumfries’ attacking numbers are outstanding 11 goals and six assists last season the question remains whether West Ham should allocate £22 million to yet another right-sided defender. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker-Peters may not produce the same goal output, but the squad’s more pressing weaknesses lie elsewhere.
This also makes a move for Sacha Boey improbable, despite interest from both West Ham and Crystal Palace.
Former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce recently defended Wan-Bissaka on his No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, arguing that the Manchester United full-back has been unfairly criticised for not contributing enough in attack.
“Wan-Bissaka got hammered at Man United for not being good on the ball,” Allardyce said. “But defensively? He was the best full-back in the league. The best at stopping crosses, the best at winning the ball back. Why does he need to bomb forward when he can give it to a midfielder or a winger and let them do the rest?
“Even Gary Neville wasn’t outstanding going forward, but he was a top defender.”
As January approaches, West Ham’s ambition is clear but so too are the limitations standing in their way, especially when aiming for players firmly on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs.