Report: West Ham have made first move to sign £12.5m player who's been compared to Sergio Busquets

By Lee Connor

West Ham United have made a move to try and sign Benfica midfielder, Julian Weigl, according to reports from Portugal today.

The German star has adapted well to the Portuguese league ever since signing for Benfica from Borussia Dortmund and he featured more than 30 times in all comps last season. However, that form has attracted admiring glances from West Ham, who along with the likes of AC Milan, Frankfurt, and Atalanta, are keen on signing Weigl.

That’s according to Sport Witness anyway, who cite a report from Portuguese publication Record as claiming West Ham have indeed made an approach for the midfielder. A full German international, it’s believed Benfica might listen to offers of around £12.5m for Weigl.

The Hammers, meanwhile, are making plays to to try and add to their squad before the window ends in a month’s time. They’ve already signed Gianluca Scamacca, while David Moyes is also keen on more new faces arriving.

Weigl, 26, has been compared to Sergio Busquets in the past for his playing style. Speaking in 2016, former teammate Marc Bartra lauded his German counterpart.

“I already knew Weigl a bit when I joined Dortmund. He is very similar to Busquets. He dictates play from midfield and helps us a lot when we lose the ball, it looks like he always has everything under control,” Bartra said.

“He really reminds me of Busquets a lot, even if there is obviously still some distance between the two of them. Busi is the best in the world in his position. But Julian is quite similar. He is very important for me.”

TBR’s View: Weigl Readymade For West Ham And England

The Hammers might have two brilliant central midfielders in Soucek and Rice on the books but there is always room for improving the squad and Weigl would do just that.

Interestingly, that price tag mentioned is nothing in Premier League money terms either. The Hammers would get an experienced international with his best days arguably still ahead of him, and all for just over £10m.