Overview
- Multiple reports on Dec. 23 say West Ham are leading the race for El Karouani, with Football Talk citing journalist Ekrem Konur.
- El Karouani told RTV Utrecht that a move to London "could very well be," calling West Ham a great club and noting his agent is handling talks.
- The defender is in the final year of his Utrecht contract, with a Transfermarkt valuation around £13m that points to a potentially reduced January fee.
- West Ham’s push reflects defensive frailty, a six-match winless run, 35 goals conceded, and an expected left-back shortage during Diouf’s AFCON duty.
- Marseille and other European sides are credited with interest, a Dutch pundit has urged the player to reject West Ham over relegation fears, and no agreement has been announced.