---
title: "West Ham join race to sign Omar Elabdellaoui"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2017/01/06/west-ham-join-race-sign-omar-elabdellaoui/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2017-01-06T16:30:09Z"
modified: "2017-01-06T16:30:09Z"
---

# West Ham join race to sign Omar Elabdellaoui

West Ham are one of three Premier League clubs reportedly interested in signing right-back Omar Elabdellaoui from Olympiakos in the January transfer window, sources close to the Greek club have told [ESPN](https://www.espnfc.com/soccer-transfers/story/3033168/olympiakos-omar-elabdellaoui-eyed-by-west-ham-bournemouth-hull-sources).

The Hammers have had an issue at right-back this season. Sam Byram was expected to take the reigns but a hamstring injury suffered at the start of October has ruled him out ever since, while summer signing Alvaro Arbeloa has failed to impress in his limited opportunities and will likely leave the club this month.

Michail Antonio has been shafted in at right-back and was exposed for the defender he isn’t, while Havard Nordtveit has overcame a rocky start to put in some half-decent shifts but again it’s not his natural or preferred position.

![Stephen Pond/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2017/01/492244482.jpg)

Elabdellaoui, a former Manchester City academy player, nearly joined Manchester United in the last January transfer window and is also on the radar of Southampton and Hull.

Capped 23 times by Norway, the 25-year-old joined Olympiakos in the summer of 2014 but so far this term he has made just four appearances for the Greek side who are willing to loan him out with a view to a permanent transfer.

Qualifying as a ‘Home-Grown’ player in English football, Elabdellaoui could make an astute signing.