West Ham United have reached an agreement on personal terms with FC Lugano defender Albian Hajdari, as per @FT_schneidi.
While the transfer isn’t sealed yet, the Hammers are edging closer to securing the 22-year-old Swiss centre-back. West Ham have yet to activate Hajdari’s €5 million release clause, though sources suggest the player is eager to make the move to east London. Bayer Leverkusen are also circling, but Hajdari appears to prefer a Premier League switch.
West Ham Nearing Hajdari Transfer Completion
The club is on strong footing in its pursuit of Hajdari, and internal optimism is growing. According to Hammers News, once West Ham trigger the release clause, the rest of the deal should progress smoothly.
Swiss outlet Bluewin quoted Lugano sporting director Sebastian Pelzer, who acknowledged the situation, saying: “It’s no secret that Hajdari will probably be sold.”
A Player Who Matches West Ham’s Transfer Strategy
Albian Hajdari fits the type of profile West Ham have been leaning toward this summer: a young, developing player with resale value and versatility. At 6ft 3in, he offers physical presence, and while he’s predominantly a centre-back, he has also operated at left-back and in defensive midfield roles.
One concern is his discipline, with 15 yellow cards picked up last season. As Hammers News noted, that’s something that may need to be addressed if he joins the Premier League’s physical and fast-paced environment.
Squad Refresh Underway Following Kudus Sale
If the deal goes through, Hajdari would become West Ham’s third signing of the summer. He’d follow El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague and Kyle Walker-Peters, who joined on a free transfer.
The £54.5 million sale of Mohammed Kudus has given West Ham extra financial flexibility under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, opening the door for strategic reinforcements without overspending.
Competition from Germany, but Hajdari Wants London
Both Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen have shown interest in Hajdari, as reported by Fussball Transfers. However, the feeling is that the defender has his sights set on joining West Ham.
Hajdari spent three years with Juventus between 2020 and 2023 but never broke into the first team. He’s been compared by some to Dean Huijsen, the former Juve youngster who moved to Real Madrid earlier this summer.
The Hammers haven’t activated his buyout clause just yet, but confidence is building that a deal could be wrapped up in the coming days.
