West Ham have perfect opportunity to sign £24m Serie A gem in January as Sunderland intentions become clear

There have begun to be signs of recovery at West Ham United following the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo, with the Hammers having appeared to be one of the Premier League’s crisis clubs under Graham Potter.

While this season is still one where safety is the priority for the east London outfit, shoots of progress under the Portuguese have suggested that the campaign may not be as doomed as previously feared. The likelihood is that they made the right managerial appointment after Potter, which has given them a better chance of securing survival in the most comfortable way they can.

The January transfer window could also prove to be a turning point for the Hammers, if they can bring in a signing or two to make a real difference in turning the needle for the struggling London outfit. One player the club should target is clear, in a key market opportunity.

West Ham should move for Sunderland target Jhon Lucumi

The belief was that Bologna and Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi would be moving to Sunderland in January, amidst renewed Black Cats interest after a £24 million bid was rejected in the summer. But as reports begin to emerge that the deal might be off, West Ham should step in to secure a man who could be a crucial signing for the club.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reported on X on Friday that Sunderland will not be resurrecting their interest in the 27-year-old in January, believed to be happy with their existing defensive options, with sources telling the reporter that Regis Le Bris’ side have “ended their interest”.

West Ham have struggled in defensive areas this season, particularly under Potter. While Nuno is known to be a more pragmatic manager who drills his defensive unit well, he can only do so much if he does not have the right quality of player available. There have been question marks alongside all of his centre-back options, with Konstantinos Mavropanos often currently first-choice to start alongside Max Kilman. The signing of Lucumi could see the Colombian international slot right into Nuno’s back four.

Lucumi signing could be game-changer for West Ham

West Ham need to become more defensively solid if they are to secure safety this season, and so bringing in a centre-back with the pedigree of Lucumi could go a long way to raising the Hammers’ standards at the back.

Not only did Lucumi win the Coppa Italia with Bologna last season, he regularly starts for his native Colombia and could be key in their World Cup campaign next summer, while he was named in The Athletic’s Serie A Team of the Season for 2024/25.

As a left-footed centre-back option, the 27-year-old could ultimately take Kilman’s place in the side. It can certainly be argued that he would be an upgrade. But he is comfortable playing in multiple defensive positions, including at left-back if need be. He would be a top-quality addition in January for an affordable fee, and could play a key role in ensuring West Ham remain a Premier League side come next season.