The winner in the race to sign a truly top-class left-back has just been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham and Bologna are believed to be battling it out to sign one of the continent’s best and most consistent left-backs.
Julen Lopetegui needs to sign a striker and a centre-back as a matter of urgency, but don’t underestimate the Spaniard’s need for a new left-back as well.
Emerson Palmieri is being heavily linked with a return to Italy, but even if he stays at the London Stadium, the Hammers need to bring in another left-back.
The 29-year-old West Ham star desperately requires more competition and cover, and Lopetegui cannot afford to head into the new season with Aaron Cresswell serving as his backup.
The 34-year-old is well past his best and the fact that he’s even still at the London Stadium is concerning.
In fairness to the Hammers boss, he has been on the hunt for a new left-back according to reports.
And now the winner has been named in the race to sign a genuinely elite defender – someone Lopetegui wants at West Ham…
Winner confirmed between West Ham and Serie A side for left-back
So, Real Betis ace Juan Miranda is someone who the Hammers have been monitoring throughout the summer.
In fact, he’ll be available on a free transfer in just a few day’s time.
The 24-year-old has absolutely everything Lopetegui needs at West Ham, and he’d provide ample competition and cover for Emerson.
Now we all know where the Spaniard will be playing his football next season.
That’s because Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the winner in the race for the Betis star’s signature.
The Italian said on his official X account, “Juan Miranda, already in Italy to undergo medical tests and sign long-term deal as new Bologna player. Miranda joins the club as free agent from Real Betis. Done deal, here we go.”
So, we’ve missed out on Juan Miranda it seems, and that is a really big mistake from the Hammers transfer team in my opinion.
His availability on a free transfer means that West Ham could have picked up a genuinely incredible left-back for absolutely nothing.
Considering the fact that Lopetegui has only £90 million to spend this summer, he cannot afford to miss out on deals like the one Bologna have secured for Miranda.
In future, the West Ham owners, Lopetegui, Tim Steidten and Mark Noble all have to ensure that they act quicker when deals like this become available in my opinion.
Missing out on the 24-year-old Spaniard is not good enough from the Hammers.
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