Jan Ziółkowski transfer latest as West Ham lead race for Roma defender

Jan Ziółkowski’s future at Roma is becoming one to watch, with West Ham United emerging as the leading contender for the Polish defender ahead of the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old centre-back has struggled for regular minutes in recent months, but his performances earlier in the season have done enough to keep Premier League scouts interested.

Italian reports now suggest Roma are open to a sale as they look to balance finances before UEFA’s financial deadlines at the end of June.

West Ham are reportedly at the front of the queue for Ziółkowski, with Roma setting an initial asking price of €20 million.

According to Il Romanista, intermediaries have already been tasked with exploring Premier League interest, as the player’s camp looks for a route towards more consistent first-team football.

That has placed England firmly in focus.

West Ham’s interest makes sense given their ongoing need to strengthen defensive depth, particularly with long-term squad planning becoming increasingly important.

Based on recent transfer windows we’ve covered, the club have shown a clear willingness to invest in younger profiles with resale potential — especially in defence.

Ziółkowski’s opportunities this season came largely during Evan Ndicka’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations, when Roma needed cover at centre-back.

During that period, the Polish defender started several matches and showed flashes of his potential.

But since Ndicka’s return, those opportunities have almost disappeared.

His last Serie A start came in the opening week of January, and despite appearing in Roma’s last two matches, he has played just eight total minutes.

That drop in involvement has accelerated discussions around a possible move.

Roma’s financial position is a major factor behind the situation. The club are under pressure to generate capital gains before the UEFA financial reporting deadline at the end of June.

Failure to do so could expose them to sanctions or fines, making player sales a practical necessity rather than just a sporting decision.

While bigger names like Manu Koné, Evan Ndicka and Mile Svilar remain obvious candidates for sale, Ziółkowski represents a cleaner profit opportunity.

Roma signed him from Legia Warsaw for €6 million last year, and his market value has risen enough to create a significant profit.

That explains why the club are willing to listen.

Roma are expected to intensify outgoing discussions in the coming weeks as the financial deadline approaches. If West Ham decide to formalise their interest, negotiations could move quickly given the club’s clear need to generate income.

The biggest question may be valuation. Roma’s €20m demand reflects future potential, but Premier League clubs could push for a lower fee given his limited minutes.

That part of the story will likely define how quickly this develops.