According to ExWHUEmployee, West Ham are still in “talks” with Juventus about signing Denis Zakaria and they are “keen” on doing so. Zakaria was formerly on loan from Chelsea.
The Swiss international’s fitness record, according to the insider source, is a “worry” for the Hammers, who are now hoping to sign the midfielder on an initial loan deal:
“Zakaria negotiations are still going on, and West Ham are worried about the player’s history of injuries. He has a lot of ailments, and the fact that he’s only 26 worries me.
“At this point, the goal is to reach a loan agreement, which Juventus is opposed to due to FFP.” However, a deal could be done if the loan agreement contains an obligation to buy based on the player’s appearances while on loan. West Ham remains interested, but bringing the player in would have to be on our terms.”
It is believed that Juve have been demanding a permanent move, with an asking price of around €20m (£17m) having been set, so a lot depends on the Serie A side softening their stance.
Zakaria’s injury history does demonstrate why West Ham are right to be cautious.
The 26-year-old has had his fair share of injuries over the years, with the most serious being the ACL he sustained in 2020 during his time at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Since then, Zakaria has also suffered a torn abductor muscle, a thigh problem and a hamstring injury. You wouldn’t say that his fitness issues are enough to stop a deal going ahead but it’s a prudent move to ask for a loan in the circumstances.
As Ex mentions, an obligation to buy based on appearances may well be the compromise that the two teams reach in order to get an agreement, so we shall see how negotiations progress in the coming days.
