West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

West Ham ‘seriously considering’ David Raum transfer to spring twist in Man Utd plans

David Raum, Hoffenheim v Bayern Munich March 2022

West Ham are reportedly keen on David Raum alongside Newcastle, following Manchester United interest in the Hoffenheim left-back.

The Hammers have performed well in recent seasons with a squad hampered by limited transfer activity. The lack of a new striker signing remains the key problem, but there are further issues.

Manager David Moyes has recently added centre-back Nayef Aguerd to his ranks from Rennes.

Nevertheless, he wants more signings at the back to bolster his West Ham defence.

According to Sport1 in Germany, the Hammers have made Germany international Raum a key left-back target.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic rise in the past two seasons to put his name on the map in Europe.

He notched 15 assists for Greuther Furth in the German second division in the 2020/21 campaign. They helped fire the club to promotion back to the Bundesliga – and earned Raum a move to Hoffenheim.

Raum subsequently scored three goals and assisted another 13 in his debut Bundesliga season to help Hoffenheim finish ninth.

Manchester United have therefore had strong interest in nine-cap Germany international Raum as they look to beef up their attack.

However, Sport1 claims that West Ham and Newcastle are also ‘seriously considering’ a move.

Newcastle’s interest seems debateable given they have signed left-back Matt Targett to a permanent deal from Aston Villa. Nevertheless, Raum can also play in a more advanced role on the left.

West Ham have David Raum upper hand

The report claims that Borussia Dortmund, who have been long-term admirers of Raum, still have interest in him.

However, the Premier League clubs are ‘financially stronger’ and so are more likely to offer Hoffenheim a better deal and Raum a better salary.

Raum signed a Hoffenheim contract extension in January, just six months after joining – a sign of his strong form. But Sport1 adds that he is still open to an ‘early departure’ and his club are looking at the possible options.

Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen recently admitted that his side will “sit down” with Raum this summer if a “top club” comes forward for him.

Exciting Hammers transfer option

David Raum celebrating for Hoffenheim

Given the rise of full-backs hungry for assists in the Premier League, Raum would be a solid West Ham addition.

His penchant for setting up goals would go well with a new striker signing up top, whoever the Hammers end up going after.

What’s more, Raum has international experience, featuring in all of Germany’s four recent Nations League matches, and will look to book his place at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

At the age of 24, the left-back has room to grow and West Ham have got a lot of their signings in recent seasons right.

The likes of Tomas Soucek and – relevant to Raum – right-back Vladimir Coufal have performed well. Given his recent rise and hunger to set up goals, Raum would be another good addition for Moyes and West Ham.