The likes of Lucas Paqueta, Nayef Aguerd, Maxwel Cornet, and Danny Ings could also leave the club this summer, so there has to be an influx of fresh legs when the market opens.

Technical director Tim Steidten is leading the charge for a summer overhaul, so it’s unsurprising that he plans to go shopping in his homeland.

Leweling represents an interesting prospect, but he can hardly be considered a high-profile signing, which is exactly the calibre of players we need this summer.

West Ham must explore other alternatives

German newspaper Bild have reported that West Ham are interested in landing the right-winger, but his numbers are far from impressive.

The 23-year-old has registered just ten goals and ten assists in 80 Bundesliga games, although nearly half of that tally has come this season.

After a slow start to the campaign, Leweling has been in fine form since the winter break, establishing himself as a vital asset in the Stuttgart line-up.

He has notched four goals and four assists while creating five big chances thus far – his highest tally in the Bundesliga since notching six goal contributions in 2021/22.

Those numbers are not nearly good enough for a club of West Ham’s stature, and we must explore other alternatives, especially if the goal is to remain competitive for a place in Europe.

Leweling is on loan at Stuttgart from Union Berlin. Stuttgart have the option to sign him permanently for around €6 million but are reluctant to activate the clause.

The clause will expire at the end of next month, which bodes well for Union, who are eager to capitalise on Leweling’s fine form to negotiate a better fee for the winger.

Despite his modest contributions in the final third, Steidten appears to be keen on the winger, who has been profiled as an exciting dribbler and a constant threat with his direct runs.

However, Leweling has yet to prove he has what it takes to thrive on the big stage. We must steer clear of a potential deal and channel the funds towards more ambitious targets on the market.