West Ham See Nnadi as Midfield Solution, Prepare Five-Year Contract

West Ham United are preparing a five-year contract offer for Nigerian midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, with the 22-year-old Super Eagles international indicating his willingness to join the Premier League club.

The Nigeria international, who recently returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty, is understood to be attracting interest from several English and European clubs, but West Ham are reportedly leading the race for his signature.

According to SportsBoom, discussions between Nnadi and West Ham have been positive, with the Nigerian midfielder signalling his desire to move to the Premier League club. “The meeting between both parties was productive, with Nnadi expressing interest in joining the Premier League side. Talks over personal terms are progressing well, and once an agreement is reached, both clubs are expected to begin negotiations over the transfer fee,” SportsBoom reported.

Sources indicate that once an agreement over personal terms is finalised, negotiations over a transfer fee with his Belgian club, Zulte Waregem, are expected to follow.

West Ham view Nnadi’s abilities as crucial to strengthening their midfield options. “West Ham are prepared to table a five-year contract offer for the Super Eagles prospect, viewing his qualities as instrumental in reinforcing their midfield,” SportsBoom added.

Nnadi has established himself in Belgian football since joining Zulte Waregem in 2024, operating primarily as a defensive midfielder. Despite his relatively young age, he has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities this season, winning 33 tackles and securing 81 per cent of aerial duels, often against taller opponents.

His energy and ability to shield the defence have made him a standout performer in the Belgian league and positioned him as a dynamic option for West Ham, who have sought youthful reinforcements in their midfield ranks.

The Super Eagles midfielder is also on the radar of Brighton, Leeds United, Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace in England, while clubs in Germany and Spain are reportedly monitoring his progress, reflecting the growing competition for his services.

Nnadi’s recent participation in the Africa Cup of Nations saw him feature for 14 minutes against Uganda. The brief appearance did not diminish his profile, and now back in Belgium, discussions with West Ham are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.

West Ham appear determined to finalise the move before the winter transfer window closes on February 2, reflecting their confidence in Nnadi’s potential to become a key figure in their squad. The Hammers’ midfield has been an area of focus for reinforcement, and the club’s management sees the Nigerian as a player who can contribute both immediately and over the long term.

The proposed five-year contract underscores West Ham’s commitment to building around young talent with international experience. Nnadi’s progression from the Nigerian domestic league to Belgian football, and now potentially to the Premier League, reflects a career trajectory that has seen him develop rapidly at the international level.

His inclusion in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, though brief in terms of playing time, marked an important milestone in his career and demonstrated the confidence of the Super Eagles coaching staff in his abilities. The midfielder’s presence in the national team setup, even in a limited capacity, has raised his profile among European clubs seeking emerging talent from Africa.

West Ham’s interest in Nnadi aligns with a broader strategy employed by several Premier League clubs to recruit promising African players who combine technical ability with physical attributes suited to the demands of English football. The midfielder’s impressive tackle success rate and aerial dominance suggest he possesses qualities that could translate effectively to the Premier League’s more physical style of play.

Zulte Waregem, currently competing in the Belgian First Division A, will be involved in negotiations once personal terms are agreed between the player and West Ham. The Belgian club’s willingness to negotiate will likely depend on the transfer fee offered and their own squad planning for the remainder of the season.

The potential transfer represents a significant step in Nnadi’s career, offering him the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. For West Ham, securing a player of his age and potential on a long-term contract could prove valuable both on the pitch and in terms of future asset value.