Breaking news- Done Deal as West Ham officially confirmes top signing who took EUROCUP by Storm, he could head straight to West Ham
A significant development in the transfer market has emerged as a deal for Euro star Georges Mikautadze has been confirmed, paving the way for his potential move to West Ham United. The Hammers’ technical director, Tim Steidten, has emphasized the club’s ongoing search for a new striker, reaffirming West Ham’s commitment to bolstering their attacking options.
Steidten’s remarks came during the press conference unveiling Julen Lopetegui as West Ham’s new head coach. Throughout the summer, reports have circulated about the club’s intent to sign a forward as part of a significant rebuild. This echoes last summer’s promise after the sale of Gianluca Scamacca, which ultimately led to manager David Moyes experimenting with Jarrod Bowen as a striker due to a perceived lack of quality options worldwide. The results of this experiment were mixed, and with young talent Divin Mubama departing, Lopetegui is left with Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, who together will be 67 years old next season, as his only striker choices. It is clear that West Ham must address this issue by signing at least one proven striker.
Several names have been linked with a move to the Hammers, with Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri reportedly being Lopetegui’s top target. Among the other contenders is Georges Mikautadze, a player who was on Steidten’s radar last summer. The 23-year-old striker, who fits West Ham’s new recruitment profile, was heavily linked with the club last year when he was at Metz. However, he ultimately joined Ajax as they sought to replace Mohammed Kudus, who was sold to West Ham. Mikautadze struggled at Ajax and was loaned back to Metz in January, where he quickly regained his form, scoring 13 goals, providing four assists, and earning man-of-the-match honors four times in just 20 appearances.
Mikautadze has also shone at the Euros this summer, being one of the standout players despite Georgia’s exit after losing to Spain. He remains the joint top scorer of the tournament with three goals, putting him back on Steidten’s radar. Reports suggest that West Ham have submitted a bid exceeding Mikautadze’s £16m valuation.
In a crucial update, Ajax confirmed they have agreed to a deal for Mikautadze to return to Metz on a permanent basis. Ajax paid Metz £10m for the striker last summer, and it appears the two clubs have written off the remaining amount owed on that deal, likely around £8m. Metz is expected to sell Mikautadze this summer for more than double that amount, according to reports in France.
“Ajax and FC Metz have reached an agreement on the transfer of Georges Mikautadze,” announced Ajax. “The striker was on loan at the French club for the past six months, with a purchase option included in the agreement. This option has been exercised, making the transfer of the 23-year-old attacker permanent. Ajax agreed with the French club on a transfer fee of €13 million (£10m). The Georgian international’s contract with Ajax ran until June 30, 2028.”
Interestingly, Metz has not made a public announcement about Mikautadze’s permanent return, suggesting they may be planning to sell him for a profit immediately. Given that West Ham has reportedly made the highest offer for the Lyon-born Georgian, his next destination could be the London Stadium, especially now that Georgia’s exit from the Euros makes him available for negotiations and medical checks.
As West Ham fans await further developments, the potential signing of Mikautadze represents a significant move in the club’s efforts to strengthen their squad and make a mark in the upcoming season.
