West Ham United have reportedly reached an agreement with Burnley to sign Maxwel Cornet after triggering his £17.5 million release clause.
According to The Athletic, West Ham United are closing in on the capture of Maxwel Cornet from Burnley after agreeing a £17.5 million deal with the EFL Championship club.
Cornet moved to England only last summer, joining Burnley from Olympique Lyon even though he had interest from several other clubs. The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, as he made 28 appearances for the Clarets, scoring nine goals and setting up two more.
However, Cornet’s performances were not enough to help Burnley avoid relegation back to the Championship. The 25-year-old has since attracted heavy interest from the Premier League, with clubs like Everton, Newcastle United and Leeds United all being linked with a move for the Ivory Coast international. But it is West Ham United who seem to have come out in the race for the versatile winger.
West Ham United have made some solid signings already this summer, bringing in Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola, Flynn Downes and Gianluca Scamacca. However, David Moyes was on the lookout for another dynamic attacker to add to his ranks so that he has adequate depth to compete strongly on all fronts.
? West Ham agree deal with Burnley for the signing of Maxwel Cornet, the Hammers have met his £17.5m release clause. ⚒️pic.twitter.com/dPGQPvEpBg
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 4, 2022
West Ham narrowed in on Cornet as their preferred target and have now triggered the £17.5 million release clause embedded in his contract. The east London club have reached a total agreement with Burnley over a transfer now, with the report stating that the 25-year-old will travel to the English capital to complete his medical tonight.
In addition, French journalist Fabrice Hawkins is reporting that Cornet and West Ham have already agreed on personal terms as well, with the move now very close to being completed.
Cornet has proven himself to be an extremely versatile operator as he can play anywhere along the left-back, while he also featured as a centre-forward on several occasions for Burnley last season. So, his signing would provide West Ham with depth in multiple positions in the attacking third, while he can also provide cover in the left-back slot. In all, the 25-year-old looks like a smart acquisition for the Hammers.
