'Agreement reached' - West Ham to beat Man Utd to £16m statement signing

The Hammers are on the verge of bringing the Bayern Munich defender to the club ahead of a Premier League rival.

West Ham appear to have beaten Manchester United in the transfer race to sign Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui this summer in a statement piece of business for Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham and Manchester United are competing for the player. | Wolverhampton Wanderers FC via G

placeholder image — West Ham and Manchester United are competing for the player. | Wolverhampton Wanderers FC via G

It had been confirmed that both the Premier League sides were in discussions with the German giants over a deal this week but it has taken just days for the Hammers to muscle their way into pole position. An agreement has been drawn up for the 26-year-old to move to The London Stadium.

That's according to transfer specialist Florian Plettenberg. The reporter has claimed that while it's not a done deal, personal terms have been agreed with the player and a bid accepted by Bayern Munich.

Taking to social media platform X on Thursday, Plettenberg wrote: "FC Bayern and West Ham have reached an agreement to sign Noussair #Mazraoui!

"Transfer fee: €15,5 + €4m add-ons. There’s also a verbal agreement in principle between #WHUFC and Mazraoui … But it’s not a done deal yet as important financial details about the deal have to be clarified. All parties involved now working on it. Manchester United, still there but West Ham are leading the race now."

The Hammers have already splurged £40 million on bringing Wolves defender Max Kilman to the club for a reunion with Lopetegui this summer. Luis Guilherme has also arrived from Brazilian side Palmeiras to add another option going forwards, but at 18 years old is perhaps more of an investment for the future.

Watch - The Premier League Panel: Best and worst signings

Mazraoui would add competition for Vladimir Coufal at West ham. | Getty Images

Morocco international Mazraoui is a product of the Ajax youth academy and made 137 appearances for the Dutch club before joining Bayern Munich in 2022. The full-back played 29 times in all competitions for the German outfit last term.

Predominately a right-back, Mazraoui will provide competition for Vladimir Coufal at West Ham. The Czech defender only has 12 months left on his contract.

West Ham also saw Ben Johnson leave as a free agent this summer, joining Ipswich Town, making an investment in the right-back position a priority.