- 6 hours ago
West Ham make 'XXL' bid for Euro 2024 top scorer
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 28 Jun 2024 18:51 BST
- 3 min read
One of the standout performers in EURO 2024 could be heading to the Premier League after West Ham made an offer for tournament top scorer Georges Mikautadze.
The Georgian has seen his profile grow massively after his performances in the in Germany, with Mikautadze netting in all three group stage games to send his country to the knockout rounds.
Mikautadze has had a whirlwind year, having joined Ajax last summer from Metz for €16 million, however the striker had a rough time in the Netherlands, failing to score in nine appearances for his new side.
READ MORE: Euro 2024 top scorers
The French-born forward returned to Metz on loan in January and the Ligue 1 side took up their option to permanently re-sign him for €13m after he netted 13 times in 20 games.
STATS
Georges Mikautadze
F (CRL)
Metz
Georges Mikautadze
F (CRL)
Metz
STATS
Georges Mikautadze
F (CRL)
Metz
Georges Mikautadze
F (CRL)
Metz
But despite agreeing to rejoin Metz, Mikautadze could be on the move again this summer, with Le10Sport claiming that West Ham have entered the race to sign the 23-year-old.
Crucially, West Ham’s bid is understood to be the highest bids Metz have received so far, exceeding the €20m offered by Monaco, although the player is believed to prefer to remain in France.
Why West Ham may still miss out on Mikautadze
Lens and Monaco are thought to have pushed hardest to sign Mikautadze so far, although Metz are understood to be bracing themselves for an approach from Lyon.
An approach from Lyon could prove tempting for Mikautadze, with the in-form striker being born in the city and coming through club’s academy before joining Metz as a 16-year-old.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals
West Ham are hoping that submitting a bid above Metz’s €20m valuation could see offers from rival clubs be rejected, forcing Mikautadze to consider a move to the Premier League instead of moving to another French side.
However, Mikautadze is not expected to make a decision until after his involvement in the European Championships, with Georgia playing their first ever tournament knock-out game agaist Spain this weekend.
