West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos is not pursuing a return to VfB Stuttgart and wants to stay in East London, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Germany reporter posted on X (22 August) to state that rumours concerning Mavropanos and a potential reunion with Bundesliga side Stuttgart are wide of the mark, following links in recent days [Kicker, 21 August].
Instead, the 26-year-old Greek defender, who is under contract at the London Stadium until 2028, has shown no intention to leave the Hammers this summer and wants to remain an Irons player this season.
Konstantinos Mavropanos ready to fight for West Ham place
Central defence has undergone a total overhaul at the London Stadium this summer, as Julen Lopetegui puts his stamp on things with two high-profile additions to his Hammers backline.
While Mavropanos did start the Irons’ first match of the new Premier League season against Aston Villa – alongside £40million summer signing Max Kilman – further competition is waiting in the wings.
Jean-Clair Todibo, who has signed on a loan-to-buy deal from OGC Nice, made his debut off the bench by replacing Vladimir Coufal, but it’s Mavropanos who he looks most likely to displace long-term.
Mavropanos’ ability to cover right-back does give Lopetegui an option to start him alongside the aforementioned duo, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s arrival will likely see him become the new first choice.
Despite these defensive reinforcements threatening Mavropanos’ place in the starting side, the Greek international’s commitment to the Hammers will make clear to Lopetegui that he’s not willing to be displaced without a fight.
In other West Ham news, clubs in League One and the Championship are battling it out to sign a young Hammers midfielder on loan.