West Ham United have had an impressive transfer window under Tim Steidten, who was appointed just last July. The Hammers have spent approximately €144.40 million (around £124 million) this summer, according to Transfermarkt, securing signings like Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Füllkrug, Luis Guilherme, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Guido Rodríguez, Wes Foderingham, and Jean-Clair Todibo. Some fans believe this could be the “best transfer window in the league.”
Despite the heavy spending, West Ham might not be done yet, with more potential signings and some outgoings likely as they look to recoup part of their investment.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano via GIVEMESPORT, West Ham are considering a move for midfielder Carlos Soler. Romano stated that Soler “is a concrete option for West Ham” and is one of the names on their shortlist. The deal for the Spanish midfielder is expected to cost around £17 million if West Ham decide to bring him to the London Stadium.
Carlos Soler found himself on the fringes at PSG last season, despite not suffering any injuries, as manager Luis Enrique favored other midfielders like Fabian Ruiz, Manuel Ugarte, Vitinha, Lee Kang-in, and Warren Zaire-Emery. Soler made 28 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals and four assists in 1,277 minutes of play.
At West Ham, there’s potential for an exciting partnership between Soler and Edson Álvarez. Álvarez, a defensive midfielder signed last summer following Declan Rice’s departure, had a solid season with 42 appearances, two goals, two assists, and was instrumental in nine clean sheets over 3,155 minutes.
Given PSG’s recent signings of Joao Neves and Gabriel Moscardo, West Ham could capitalize on the opportunity to bring in Soler for a reasonable fee. If the Hammers succeed, Soler could form a strong midfield partnership with Álvarez, potentially enhancing the team’s overall dynamics.
| Soler and Alvarez comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (per 90 mins) | Soler | Alvarez |
| Goals | 0.14 | 0.06 |
| Assists | 0.28 | 0.06 |
| Progressive Carries | 1.23 | 0.78 |
| Progressive Passes | 6.07 | 3.53 |
| Key Passes | 1.64 | 0.41 |
| Shots Total | 1.13 | 0.66 |
| Tackles | 1.23 | 2.91 |
| Blocks | 0.82 | 2.16 |
| Interceptions | 0.56 | 1.55 |
| Aerials Won | 0.49 | 1.16 |
| Stats taken from FBref | ||
Carlos Soler, recognized as a “great talent” by Gaizka Mendieta at 23, earned a move to PSG in 2022. Despite his “magnificent” talent, as noted by journalist Sid Lowe, Soler struggled to secure a regular starting spot, playing only 1,773 minutes in his first season.
A key aspect of Soler’s game is his ability to progress the ball, often carrying it towards the opponent’s goal by at least 10 yards or into the penalty area. His creativity and progression in midfield could complement Edson Álvarez’s defensive and physical strengths, providing West Ham with a well-rounded and balanced midfield.
Their metrics highlight their differing strengths. Soler averages nearly double the number of progressive passes per 90 minutes, nearly four times the number of key passes, and over four times the number of assists compared to Álvarez. Meanwhile, Álvarez excels defensively, averaging more than double the number of tackles, blocks, and aerials won per 90 minutes, as well as nearly triple the number of interceptions.
This potential partnership could offer West Ham a strong mix of ball recovery, aerial dominance, progressive passing, and playmaking, creating a solid and versatile midfield duo.
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