West Ham Tracking Bundesliga Starlet Ibrahim Maza, Reports Florian Plettenberg
West Ham are reportedly eyeing a move for Hertha Berlin’s teenage sensation Ibrahim Maza, according to Sky Sports transfer expert Florian Plettenberg. Known for his strong connections to West Ham’s director of football, Tim Steidten, Plettenberg has been a reasonably reliable source for Hammers transfer scoops in the last 12 months.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who has dazzled in Germany’s second division with four goals and two assists in 14 appearances this season, is drawing interest from several Premier League clubs, including Southampton, Wolves, Fulham, Brentford, and Newcastle United. Bundesliga clubs are also monitoring Maza closely, as his future at Hertha hinges on their promotion campaign.
Maza’s standout ability to beat defenders in one-on-one scenarios has evidently sent scouts flocking to see if the reality matches the hype. With Hertha struggling to secure promotion, speculation is rife that the German-Algerian trickster will seek a move. West Ham, keen to bolster attacking midfield, could face stiff competition for his signature.
Tim Steidten’s ties to German football could prove pivotal, especially as the player’s price tag is expected to hover around €20 million. Plettenberg has suggested that Maza’s decision could ultimately hinge on which suitors can offer European football next season which quite possibly rules us out.
While a January move seems unlikely, the race for Maza’s signature is heating up, and the Hammers could view him as a potential long-term solution if we fail in a move for preferred target James McAtee
