West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham stalwart vulnerable, as talks to sign assist king David Raum for significant fee begin

Germany internationals David Raum and Ilkay Gundogan

West Ham have opened talks over an eye-catching deal to sign German assist machine David Raum, though his arrival could spell the end for one Hammers stalwart.

David Moyes has already secured the signatures of three first-teamers this summer. Alphonse Areola will battle to become the No 1 between the sticks after his loan deal was turned permanent. Nayef Aguerd will slot straight in at centre-back, while Flynn Downes adds depth in the engine room.

However, moves of a more attacking nature are on the cards with the latest on their pursuits of Armando Broja and Jesse Lingard detailed here.

Elsewhere, Hoffenheim left-back David Raum, has also emerged on West Ham’s radar. What’s more, according to the Times, talks over the move have begun.

Hoffenheim will reportedly command £33m for the nine-times capped Germany international. A fee of that size would make him West Ham’s third most expensive signing behind only Sebastien Haller and Felipe Anderson.

Whether the Hammers will bid that high remains to be seen. However, should he arrive, it’s indicated he’d be viewed as the long-term successor to Aaron Cresswell.

Furthermore, at that price, few would be surprised to see the 32-year-old usurped from day one.

David Raum career is soaring

Raum only joined Hoffenheim last summer as a free agent from Greuther Fürth. However, the fact he moved for free is not a true indication of his value and influence.

In his first Bundesliga campaign last term, Raum scored three goals and provided 12 assists from full-back. He is also capable of playing further forward, though was deployed mainly in defence last term.

His exploits at club level saw him rewarded with his senior German debut in September. Since then, he has established himself as a regular for his national side, amassing a further eight caps in that time.

Next West Ham additions could define their season

The Hammers were once again in contention for a place inside the top four last season. However, their domestic form dipped in the latter stages at a time when their squad was stretched during the Europa League knockout rounds.

West Ham will feature in the Europa Conference League next term, thus ensuring their depth will be tested once again.

Squad player Andriy Yarmolenko has departed for Abu Dhabi, making their free agent pursuit of Lingard assume greater importance.

Broja, meanwhile, could be the long-term successor to Michail Antonio. The converted striker has been a revelation up front for David Moyes, though at 32, will begin to struggle to feature across all competitions week in week out.

That rings true too for Cresswell, though in his case, Raum may actually represent an upgrade. Clearly, West Ham’s business this summer is far from over and their most important deals may still be to come.