Dan-Axel Zagadou was “never close” to joining West Ham on a free transfer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The former Borussia Dortmund defender has been heavily linked with a switch to the London Stadium but Romano says the player is now poised to seal a move to Stuttgart:
Dan-Axel Zagadou is set to sign with Stuttgart on free transfer — he will undergo medical tests next week, the agreement is imminent. 🚨⚪️ #transfers
Zagadou was never close to joining West Ham despite rumours — he’s prepared to stay in Bundesliga. pic.twitter.com/lLEtwVhsu1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 18, 2022
It seems that the Hammers decided to step back from making an offer for Zagadou last week. The return to fitness of Craig Dawson means that manager David Moyes has a sufficient number of centre-backs to get him through until January.
The situation may have to be revisited in the New Year, though, with Dawson still believed to be keen on leaving the London club for personal reasons.
Zagadou would likely have been a decent signing. He has also been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in the past, but it seems that, barring a last-minute hitch, he will be staying in Germany.