West Ham’s summer transfer target, Noussair Mazraoui, has been diagnosed with a rare heart condition, according to breaking news reports.
The right-back was due to sign for the Hammers during the summer transfer window and even said goodbye to his teammates after Bayern Munich accepted West Ham’s bid.
The £16m deal collapsed after an agreement with the player’s agent changed at the last minute, forcing the Irons to halt negotiations. The Moroccan international then decided to join Manchester United, who became involved in negotiations once West Ham’s interest became public knowledge.
As a result, the Hammers turned their attention to Man U full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who became surplus to requirements once Mazraoui moved to Old Trafford.
The former Ajax defender has been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia), meaning he will have to cease playing while undergoing assessment.
However, while this news is hugely concerning for all involved, Mazraoui can look to his own squad for hope. Denmark’s Christian Eriksen, who collapsed on the pitch during a European Championship game due to a heart attack, is happily back playing again and in good health. It would appear that the defender’s diagnosis has been given early enough that club doctors will be able to take the correct precautions which should enable the player to receive the very best medical care and hopefully he’ll be back playing football soon.