West Ham United are “one step away” from sealing a loan-to-buy move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler, according to AS.
The Spanish outlet reported on 23 August that the Irons will complete a move for the Spanish playmaker by Monday (26 August) at the latest, with a loan-to-buy deal more likely than a straight transfer at the moment.
Julen Lopetegui has reportedly personally requested the signing of Soler to the Hammers hierarchy, with the club preferring to sign the midfielder on loan with a permanent £17million transfer lined up in 2025.
PSG are looking to cash in on the 27-year-old regardless [L’Equipe, 23 August], and although they’d prefer to receive a transfer fee this summer, AS’s report states they will sanction an initial loan with a £17m permanent obligation.
West Ham can get best of both worlds with Carlos Soler transfer
The Irons haven’t been shy to splash the cash so far this summer, spending over £130m on seven permanent transfers – two of which were free – and a further loan move for Jean-Clair Todibo.
Todibo’s switch from OGC Nice is perhaps the most prescient when it comes to the Hammers’ pursuit of Soler, given the former’s move is on loan with a permanent transfer all-but secure down the track [Sean Whetstone, 11 August].
With no issues expected for Todibo’s option-to-buy becoming an obligation, the club assuaging PSR concerns by back-logging his permanent transfer until 2025 suggests they’ll do the same to sign Soler.
Although PSG want to cash in on the 27-year-old as soon as possible, they’re just as likely to accept their £17m fee further down the line and agree an obligation for West Ham to buy the playmaker.
Given the approach late in this window is for the Irons to push further permanent transfers forward to next year, you’d expect confirmation of Soler’s move to be the final addition they make this summer [Foot Mercato, 24 August].
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