West Ham United Join The Race For This Belgian Fullback: Why They Must Step Up The Chase | OneFootball

If a recent report from TuttoSport, as relayed by PianetaMilan, is believed to be true, West Ham United are keeping close tabs on Club Brugge left fullback Maxim de Cuyper. But they are not alone in the race, with Serie A giants AC Milan and London rivals Arsenal, who are also in the mix for the Belgian sensation’s signing.

The Red Devils international had brief stints with KFC Heist and Blauw-Zwart before joining the academy ranks of Brugge during his teenage years. He was eventually promoted to their senior set-up, however, a regular first-team status was only attained following a spell with the reserves in the second tier.

De Cuyper made significant strides at Club NXT which earned him a season-long loan to Westerlo in the summer of 2021. He soon made an impact down the left and inspired the Antwerp-side to secure promotion. Westerlo extended his loan stint for one more year, and the regular top-flight minutes paved the pathway for a starting status at his boyhood club.

The 24-year-old defender has so far appeared 98 times for Club Brugge and made his presence known down the left with 6 goals and 21 assists across competitions [stats via Transfermarket]. He holds all the traits of a modern-day fullback as he loves to whip in crosses, cut inside and link up with fellow attackers by making marauding runs.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Maxim De Cuyper of Belgium in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on October 10, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Club Brugge have set a valuation of €25m for De Cuyper who is now gearing up for their Champions League Round of 16 encounter against Aston Villa. Both Arsenal and AC Milan have already communicated with the player’s entourage, and the Hammers, therefore, must step up the chase before it gets too late.

Why West Ham Must Rope Him In

West Ham roped in Julen Lopetegui to succeed David Moyes as the Irons boss. But the Spaniard was dismissed in just over six months following a dismal run of results. Graham Potter replaced him earlier this year and the East London hotshots lately showed signs of improvement with successive victories over Arsenal and Leicester City in the Premier League. While they are still struggling lower down the standings, a few more wins in the remaining fixtures could see them secure a mid-table finish.

Potter is expected to be backed by the Hammers board to bring in players who would suit his style of play. They currently have Emerson Palmieri as the left fullback, also, the emergence of Oliver Scarles through their academy has elated the fans. Yet they would require reinforcement to replace Emerson in the long run. Although the 30-year-old Italian has lost his place to Scarles, the teenage sensation should not be overutilized considering the risk of burnout and long-term fitness woes. De Cuyper ticks many boxes to fit in the Englishman’s brand of football and his arrival should boost West Ham in their battle to revive the lost status.