Rumours circulating around the London Stadium suggest the Hammers are looking to shock the transfer market and secure the services of Lazio’s Keita Balde Diao.
The 22-year-old was in the Barcelona youth system before joining Lazio, plays for Senegal along side West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate, has had offers from Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus but West Ham have apparently submitted a €32m bid. It’s safe to say if Keita made the move to the Premier League he would be a regular for West Ham and add a new dimension to the claret and blue side.
Keita is however dubbed one of Europe’s top young talents and would be a huge coup if West Ham somehow bagged the Senegalese man. Although some fans will have the question of who exactly is Keita Balde Diao?
Just had a breakthrough season for Lazio
Last season, Keita scored an impressive 16 goals and grabbed three assists from the left-wing position. Before the 2016/17 season, he only netted 10 goals in three seasons, so Keita is really starting to establishing himself. Keita, 22, can also play as a striker or on the opposite wing – versatility which is very attractive for West Ham.
Agent/player links
The young star is good friends with West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate, Pedro Obiang and Diafra Sakho as well as his agent having already worked with the Hammers, which could suggest a move isn’t as far-fetched as it may seem.
Already experienced
Even though he is just 22, he has already made over 100 appearances for Lazio in the Serie A, since joining in 2013. Having played for the Italian giants, he also has experience of the Champions League and scoring in it.
Uncertain future
Whether he does complete a stunning move to West Ham or not, it seems certain he will leave Lazio this summer. After recently being left out of a pre-season game for the Italian side, he took his amazement out on twitter…
Twitter: Io ci sono! Sempre pronto per dimostrare il mio valore e la mia professionalità. Ma oggi la società ha deciso di non farmi giocare… (@keitabalde14) Translate – I am there! Always ready to prove myself and my professionalism. But today the company has decided not to let me play…
Dubbed one of Europe’s top talents
The Senegalese attacker is rated very highly in the world of football and to think he would cost €32m in today’s market could be a real bargain for West Ham. Crazy prices are at an all-time high this transfer window but if chairman’s David Gold and David Sullivan’s ambitions are fulfilled about getting West Ham to the top of English football, Keita is a must-buy this summer.
