The transfer saga surrounding Ezechiel Banzuzi and West Ham United has taken a twist, as recent claims of a deal being finalized have been denied by both OH Leuven and respected journalist Sacha Tavolieri. Sky Sports had reported that the 19-year-old Dutch Under-21 international was set to join the Hammers within 24 hours, suggesting he was en route to the UK to undergo a medical and complete his move to the Premier League. However, these reports now appear to have been premature.
Tavolieri, known for his reliable coverage of Belgian football, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on January 22 to clarify the situation. He stated, “OH Leuven denies any agreement with West Ham United regarding Ezechiel Banzuzi. For now, the Belgian club has not yet received any written offer from West Ham.” This statement directly contradicts earlier reports and casts doubt on how advanced negotiations between the two clubs truly are.
OH Leuven has also downplayed the likelihood of an imminent move, with sources within the Belgian club confirming that there has been no agreement reached for their talented midfielder. While West Ham is understood to have a genuine interest in the player, no concrete progress has been made to bring him to the London Stadium as of now.
This revelation will be a disappointment for West Ham fans, who had been optimistic about Banzuzi becoming the first signing under new manager Graham Potter. The club has been actively looking to bolster its squad following a mixed start to the season, and the addition of a young, versatile attacking midfielder like Banzuzi could have provided a much-needed boost. However, as it stands, the deal remains in limbo, and supporters will have to wait and see if the two clubs can find common ground before the January transfer window closes on February 3.
Banzuzi has garnered attention across Europe for his performances. He has already played over 50 senior games for OH Leuven since joining the Belgian side from NAC Breda, where he made his professional debut at just 16. Known for his composure on the ball, creativity, and ability to contribute in advanced areas, the 19-year-old has been tipped for a bright future. His potential move to the Premier League has been widely discussed, with outlets like TBR Football reporting on West Ham’s interest as recently as January 21.
If the Hammers manage to secure his signature, Banzuzi could represent a long-term investment for the club, aligning with the vision of technical director Tim Steidten, who oversaw a significant summer spending spree. However, many of West Ham’s summer signings have struggled to deliver consistent performances, increasing the pressure on the club to make smarter moves in this window.
The midfield is a key area of focus for West Ham, especially with the departure of Declan Rice last summer and subsequent reliance on new additions like Edson Álvarez and James Ward-Prowse. While Álvarez and Ward-Prowse have impressed in phases, the club’s lack of depth and creativity in certain matches has highlighted the need for reinforcements. Banzuzi, with his blend of technical skill and energy, could offer a dynamic option for Potter’s squad if a deal is eventually struck.
For now, the situation remains unresolved, with no written offers or agreements in place. While the interest is clear, and a move is still possible before the deadline, both clubs appear to be far from concluding any negotiations. This leaves West Ham supporters and Graham Potter waiting anxiously to see whether Banzuzi will indeed make the switch to East London in the coming days.