West Ham Transfers: 6 Centre-Backs the Hammers Could Realistically Target This Summer

10 April 2020 17:57

​At the time of writing, football is indefinitely postponed.

But even though we're all locked down, keeping ourselves occupied while saluting our great NHS, we do know that things will get back to normal......one day.

When they do, we may have a football season to finish and we may have a transfer window to deal with. Though it seems insignificant to discuss targets now, that's exactly what we're going to do here - with our West Ham lens firmly screwed on.

We've already ​looked at six left back targets, so now we're here to do the same at centre back. Let's dive in...


Ben White

Ben White

​Hammers boss David Moyes has previously spoken of his desire to target youth, as well as giving the Championship's top brass an opportunity to make the step up.

In White, the Scotsman would not only get one of the Championship's top talents, he'd get a man in demand from some of the biggest clubs in the country. Contracted to Brighton, there's every chance that he rocks back up at the Amex to take his place alongside Lewis Dunk - but there's every reason for West Ham to test the Seagulls' resolve with a cheeky bid.

Potential Price: £18m-25m


Alfie Mawson

Swansea City v Fulham - Sky Bet Championship

Remember when Fulham defender Mawson was one of the most talked about defenders in the country for a short period of time? Mmm, me too.

But after a disappointing maiden campaign at Craven Cottage that saw the club relegated from the ​Premier League, Mawson has had to rebuild his reputation in the second tier. And that's exactly what he's quietly been doing, helping Scott Parker's side to the upper reaches of the Championship table.

Mawson is an organised, solid defender who is undoubtedly capable of mixing it at a higher level. West Ham were in for him once, and may be wise to try again - particularly if Fulham aren't promoted.

Potential Price: £18m-25m


Ben Wilmot

Brentford v Swansea City - Sky Bet Championship

Another player making a splash outside of the Premier League is Swansea loanee Wilmot, though he's had far less exposure than White and Mawson.

However, there's no denying that Wilmot has talent, evidenced by his appearances for England at three different levels, as well as a short stint on loan in Serie A with Udinese last season. Parent club Watford are unlikely to want to do business with West Ham, and there's every chance that he'll be a part of the Hornets' plans next season.

Still, a cheeky bid may persuade Nigel Pearson's side to sell up, if the terms are right.

Potential Price: £10m-15m


Pontus Jansson

Pontus Jansson

The final piece in the Championship offerings jigsaw is Brentford's star defender Pontus Jansson, formerly of heavy hitters Leeds.

The Swede only moved to Griffin Park at the beginning of the 2019/20 season after two campaigns at Elland Road, swapping Yorkshire for London after falling out of Marcelo Bielsa's good books. Even though the Argentine decided he wasn't the man for him, there's no doubting Jansson's ability and he's comfortably one of the best defenders in the Championship.

A move to the top flight beckons at some stage if Brentford aren't promoted, and his combative displays at the back would likely see him become a hit with West Ham fans.

Potential Price: £12m-18m


Domagoj Vida

Turkish Spor Toto Super Lig"Besiktas AS v Demir Grup Sivasspor"

Without wanting to drag up memories of England crashing out of the 2018 World Cup at the semi final stage, this is the time that Domagoj Vida entered - and promptly left - many of our radars.

The pony-tailed adonis (completely made that up) was one of Croatia's finest performers as they reached an unexpected maiden World Cup final, barging past Gareth Southgate's side along the way. Immediately after he was linked with a big-money move away from Besiktas, but a switch failed to materialise and he remains in Turkey.

Transfer talk has resurfaced in recent months though, with West Ham's name banded around in many Turkish media circles. Perhaps not the signing Moyes is looking to identify with, but would come with international ​pedigree nonetheless.

Potential Price: £6m-10m


Christian Luyindama

Christian Luyindama

Don't worry, you won't be alone in not knowing who Christian Luyindama is.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international is hardly a household name after arriving to the professional ranks relatively late; indeed, he's only been playing football outside of his homeland for the past three seasons, most recently for Galatasaray.

The Turkish heavyweights haven't seen as much of him as they'd like through injury, but the performances Luyindama has put in have caught the eye - West Ham's, Aston Villa's, Wolves' and Everton's to be specific.

A move seems viable, but extremely unlikely. Still, an option who wouldn't cost a bomb.

Potential Price: £10m-15m

Source: 90min