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Report: 25-year-old wide player told to turn down West Ham move

24 December 2025 at 01:30

West Ham United have been linked with a move for the Utrecht defender Souffian El Karouani.

The 25-year-old left-back is expected to be on the move during the January transfer window, but he has been told to turn down a move to the London club. West Ham are going through a difficult phase right now, and they are fighting for survival in the Premier League.

What will El Karouani decide?

El Karouani has been warned that he could find himself in the Championship next season if he joins West Ham. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The London club will need defensive reinforcement in January. They need to tighten up at the back to do well during the second half of the season.

The 25-year-old defender could prove to be a useful acquisition for them. He has the quality to do well in the Premier League, and he could help West Ham survive in the top flight.

De Telegraaf journalist Valentijn Driessen has claimed that the move to the London club would be a mistake.

“You just shouldn’t do that, because they’ll be relegated. Then you’ll end up in the Championship,” Driessen explained via Voetbal Zone.

Can West Ham convince Souffian El Karouani?

Souffian El Karouani of FC Utrecht is challenged by Philipp Treu of SC Freiburg. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

The opportunity to move to England can be quite exciting for most players. The 25-year-old could be tempted to make the move. It will be interesting to see if West Ham can convince him of their ambitions. There is no doubt that they have a quality team and a quality manager. They have every chance of surviving in the top flight this season if they can raise their performance levels.

A club of their stature should not be where they are currently in the table. They have underperformed this season, and they will look to bounce back strongly. Signing the right players will only help their cause.

The post Report: 25-year-old wide player told to turn down West Ham move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Player in the final year of his contract is being targeted by West Ham

CaughtOffside

By:Ahad Shaukat

22 December 2025 at 16:58

West Ham United appear to be accelerating their plans in the January transfer window, with FC Utrecht left-back Souffian El Karouani emerging as a serious target to strengthen the Hammers’ defensive options.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Eredivisie and is now firmly on West Ham’s radar, with reports in the Netherlands suggesting a move could be edging closer.

El Karouani has been one of Utrecht’s standout performers this campaign, combining defensive reliability with exceptional attacking output.

From 29 appearances in all competitions, the Moroccan-born full-back has registered an impressive three goals and 15 assists.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, particularly given that he is now in the final year of his contract, making him an attractive market opportunity for clubs looking to strengthen without paying a premium fee.

West Ham United to sign new left-back in January?

Dutch outlet RTV Utrecht have gone a step further, reporting that El Karouani is effectively on his way to West Ham.

Speaking after a recent match, El Karouani was asked directly about his plans for January and whether a move could materialise.

“It could happen, or it might not. In any case, I haven’t said goodbye in the dressing room yet. I haven’t said a word [about the situation],” he said, stopping short of confirming anything but leaving the door firmly open.

West Ham’s interest makes sense given their current situation. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the club are keen to reinforce defensively, particularly at left-back.

Their defense has leaked goals for fun this season and their latest defeat against Manchester City in the Premier League once again showed that it is an area that needs desperate attention from the manager and the recruitment staff.