Wherever there is a news story this January concerning West Ham United, there are the ‘usual suspects’ mentioned in the same report, normally Newcastle (as they have money) Everton (as they’re desperate) and Aston Villa (as they’re buying). So, as the Irons are linked with several Premier League options for loan deals this month, so the stories come from further afield – in this case Turkey – again suggesting a player that West Ham apparently want has several other Premier League clubs ‘fighting for his signature’.
As was the last transfer window, when the ‘usual suspects’ like perennial En-Nesyri kept appearing in reports, so this window. The latest report in the last day suggests ‘old favourite’ Turkish international 24 year old winger Baris Alper Yilmaz has: ‘4 Premier League clubs circling to sign forward, €20 million laughed at, €30 million for a deal” as reported by sportwitness.co.uk.
According to the outlet, in Turkey there is a :”Big article which claims all of Everton, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Aston Villa are keen on signing Barış Alper Yılmaz from Galatasaray.
11 goals and one assist may sound high quality but this is the Turkish league. I’d expect West Ham to be focussed a little more closely to home after their stated aim of picking up Premier League loans or championship prospects who won’t need to struggle with ‘acclimatisation’ into London and the faster pace of the Premier League.
Alper-Yilmaz has been mentioned in the last window in the Summer. I suspect his agent is angling for a move or better terms but I’d be surprised to see West Ham entertain interest in a player who is essentially another winger. One to ignore this January. (Famous last words!)
