Manchester United are at risk of missing out on Genoa defender Koni De Winter, as West Ham plan a “decisive” strike to snap him, even as interest from both England and abroad intensifies.
United could look to bolster their backline options
The defensive department is an area of the pitch United could strengthen this summer, following an extremely underwhelming 2024/25 season that saw Ruben Amorim and his players finish in 15th place.
On the final day of the Premier League season, United confirmed the exits of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.
Evans and Lindelof were both released upon the expiry of their contracts. While Evans has since returned to the club in the role of head of loans and pathways, Lindelof is available as a free agent and is on the hunt for a new team.
Combine this with the fact that Lisandro Martinez, who sustained an ACL injury in February, will need time to fully get back up to speed, and it makes sense why United need backline additions.
De Winter wanted by United
De Winter has been mentioned as a player of interest to United. The player enjoyed a strong season with Genoa, helping the side keep eight clean sheets in the 26 appearances he made across Serie A and Coppa Italia. He also scored three goals in that period.
In August 2023, he linked up with Genoa on loan from Juventus II, where he had played 28 league games and netted two goals. He completed a permanent switch to Genoa in July 2024.
A versatile player, De Winter can operate not only as a centre-back but also in midfield and at full-back. He is physically imposing and strong in the air.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are eyeing De Winter as a potential replacement for Lindelof and Evans. It was also stated that Tottenham Hotspur are admirers of the 23-year-old.
Now, an update has emerged indicating that another Premier League club is now leading the race to sign De Winter, although a deal is still far from being finalised.
West Ham preparing to make strong move for De Winter
According to CaughtOffside, “Tottenham are also keeping a close eye on De Winter due to the uncertain future of Cristian Romero at the club with the World Cup winning defender being linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer.”
“West Ham United, however, are ready to move decisively. The Hammers view De Winter as a perfect tactical fit for Graham Potter’s system.”
It’s understood that Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been keeping tabs on the Belgian.
Foreign clubs also lining up
CaughtOffside add, “The interest isn’t limited to England. Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are both keen on De Winter, with his profile fitting the German giants’ preference for young, tactically adaptable defenders.”
“Serie A clubs, including Inter Milan, Napoli, and Roma, are also keeping tabs on De Winter, but with the growing international demand, they may need to act swiftly to avoid being priced out of the race.”
Genoa value De Winter at €30–35 million.
The report notes that despite heavy interest from abroad, Premier League clubs have the edge in the race to sign De Winter, because they can easily meet Genoa’s demands.
United and Tottenham are currently believed to have “the best chance” of securing De Winter’s services.
Feature image Simone Arveda via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
