Brighton & Hove Albion has pulled off a surprise swoop by securing the signature of winger Ibrahim Osman for a reported £17 million, beating out competition from West Ham United.
The 19-year-old sensation dealt a blow to West Ham by undergoing a medical on the South Coast, edging closer to finalizing terms with Danish top-flight club Nordsjaelland.
Despite West Ham’s persistent efforts with multiple offers, including bids rising to £13 million, they were unable to secure Osman’s services due to their reluctance to engage in a bidding war for the highly-rated Ghanaian forward.
Brighton’s successful acquisition of Osman signals their intent ahead of the summer transfer window, where he will join Roberto De Zerbi’s ambitious project at the club.
Osman’s talent attracted interest from various clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham, with the winger impressing with 27 appearances and two goals for Nordsjaelland last season.
With Osman off the market, West Ham may redirect their focus to Norwich forward Jonathan Rowe, 20, whom they have been closely monitoring throughout the season.
Rowe, an England Under-21 international, boasts an impressive record of 13 goals and four assists in 31 games across all competitions this season.
Additionally, Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, remains among the options being considered by West Ham. The club also explored the possibility of signing Ajax forward Steven Bergwijn and allowed Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals to depart East London on deadline day.
