West Ham to activate Fenerbahce captain’s bargain release clause

Dan Butterfield

West Ham will look to activate Fenerbahce captain Hasan Ali Kaldirim’s £4.4m release clause this summer, a report claims.

Kaldirim currently plays left wing-back for the Super Lig side, but is equally comfortable playing as an orthodox left-back.

The Germany-born defender is a a full Turkey international with 30 caps since making his debut in 2012, the same year he signed for the Turkish club.

The 29-year-old started his career at FC Kaiserslautern before moving onto FC Mainz in 2009. Having only played for the two clubs reserve teams, Kaldirim moved to Turkey, firstly for Kayserispor, before moving to Fenerbahce.

He has made 224 appearances in his seven years at the club, netting five goals along the way.

Kaldirim has won the Super Lig, Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup in his time at the side.

He suffered a disappointing season, with his side only finishing 6th in the Super Lig, getting knocked out of the Turkish cup in the round of 16, failing in the Champions League qualification stages which subsequently left them in the Europa League where they lost to Zenit St Petersburg in the round of 32.

And according to both BBC Sport and the Daily Mirror, the Hammers are keen to bring the player to the London Stadium this summer.

What will attract West Ham to Kaldirim is the £4.4m release clause currently in his contract. To be able to sign such an experienced player for such a low price is unusual, especially a club captain.

West Ham currently have Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku in the left back/left wing back position so the acquisition of Kaldirim could put additional pressure on the pair.

The Hammers have had a busy start to the summer transfer window, having already released Adrian, Andy Carroll and Samir Nasri on free transfers and bringing in goalkeepers Roberto and David Martin on frees from Espanyol and Millwall respectively.

Lucas Perez has also left the club, signing for Alaves for £4m, whilst Edimilson Fernandes has joined FC Mainz on a four-year deal.

 

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