West Ham Responds to Report Their Bid for Mario Stroeykens Was Mocked

West Ham Responds to Report Their Bid for Mario Stroeykens Was Mocked

West Ham United have responded to reports from Belgium claiming their initial offer for Mario Stroeykens, a target also pursued by Leeds United, was met with ridicule.

Following their return to the Premier League, Leeds United are planning an aggressive transfer campaign, reportedly backed by a budget exceeding £100 million. In contrast, West Ham’s spending will rely heavily on player sales, potentially reaching a similar amount if high-value stars like Mohammed Kudus, Nayef Aguerd, or Lucas Paquetá (pending the outcome of spot-fixing allegations) are sold.

Leeds’ ambition is evident in their interest in West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, whom new manager Graham Potter may be open to offloading as he reshapes the squad. Meanwhile, Leeds boss Daniel Farke is reportedly eager to sign proven talent like Soucek and has already secured forward Lukas Nmecha, with more additions expected.

Now, both clubs are vying for 20-year-old Anderlecht midfielder Mario Stroeykens, a highly regarded talent entering the final year of his contract. West Ham view Stroeykens as a key part of their midfield revamp under Potter and a potential successor to Paquetá. Leeds, however, are said to be making swift progress by beginning discussions on personal terms.

According to Belgian media, West Ham’s opening bid—around €10 million (£8.5m)—was rejected outright by Anderlecht, who reportedly want at least €20 million (£16m). The report even claimed the bid was “laughed off” by the club’s board.

When Hammers News reached out to a top representative of West Ham’s ownership, they dismissed the story as fiction, neither denying the club’s interest in Stroeykens nor the submission of a bid, but firmly rejecting the suggestion that it was ridiculed.

“That is made up,” a senior spokesperson told Hammers News. “We’re not sure where that story has come from.”

The pursuit of Stroeykens remains very much alive, with both Leeds and West Ham pushing hard for the talented playmaker. Belgian football figure Marc Wilmots has praised Stroeykens as “the best midfielder at Anderlecht,” highlighting his vision, strength, and technical ability—traits both Premier League clubs would value as they prepare for the new season.