Cologne star Ellyes Skhiri admits he’s ‘open’ to walk away from the club this summer, with West Ham is believed to be one of their favorite destinations.
The 26-year-old has been with the Bundesliga squad for two years after signing a four-year deal in the summer of 2019. And he’s certainly gotten over his fair share of work with the Billy Goats. The Tunisian international made 31 league games in his first season and 32 last season.
He got one goal in the 2019-2020 season, but increased it to five last season. The Hammers have been linked for some time.
In June it was reported that the African was on the East End team’s radar. But many other clubs were also linked, as his agent, Fali Ramadani, had offered it to ‘all of Europe’.
Italian club Napoli was thought to be at the forefront of the queue for his signing. But that trail seems to have cooled off.
With a price tag of just 15 million euros, it is inevitable that there will be more suitors showing their hand this summer. Skhiri He already opened his account for Cologne in 2021-22, scoring in a German Cup match.
He seems happy to stay at RheinEnergieStadion, but hinted that he would appreciate an offer from another club.
“I think the situation is clear for the club and for me,” he told BILD (via Sport Witness). “I am here and I am doing the best I can, but if there is a good opportunity to take the next step, I am open to it.
“Playing in a European competition would, of course, be a new step for me.”
Skhiri link but no West Ham movement
West Ham have been linked with many players this summer but have only bought defender Craig Dawson from Watford to date. David Moyes is known for I want a new striker but he has kept his gunpowder dry.
There seems to be growing frustration among Irons fans over the lack of new faces. Skhiri is not a striker, but a powerful midfielder who supports the forwards.
The London Stadium team could give you the European experience you crave. But he’s happy to continue practicing his trade and to see where it takes him.
“While I’m here, I want to help the team and I’m glad I did it with my goal in the cup,” he added.
“If it turns out nothing comes out, then I’ll be happy to stay. I’ve only read about it myself. I don’t talk to my advisor on the phone every day.
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