The London Stadium side have reportedly made an initial move for the 2. Bundesliga ace as they look to secure reinforcements for Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad at the turn of the year.

West Ham are anticipating a busy winter window in terms of both exits and arrivals, with Niclas Fullkrug expected to depart after struggling to impress the new manager.

The Hammers, who drew 2-2 with Bournemouth at the weekend, have enjoyed a positive run of results lately, taking seven points from their last nine Premier League games.

West Ham Make Move for Cajetan Lenz
Cajetan Lenz

According to Sky Germany, Lenz’s strong performances in the second tier of German football have recently attracted interest from almost every Bundesliga club, as well as West Ham.

The London Stadium outfit have reportedly made an initial enquiry regarding the 19-year-old midfielder but could face a difficult transfer battle to secure his signature next year.

Speaking to Sky Germany, Lenz’s agent Makram Naceur said:

“I can confirm that many clubs, both national and international, have contacted him. However, Cajetan is completely focused on his boyhood club, VfL Bochum.”

Lenz, who made his professional debut in August, has emerged as an important player for Bochum, featuring in all but one of their 2. Bundesliga games this season.

The 19-year-old has registered two goals and one assist in the second tier, including two goal contributions in his last two appearances.

Lenz is believed to have several formal enquiries on the table amid his breakout year, but Bochum are in a strong negotiating position, with the midfielder under contract until June 2029.

Who is Cajetan Lenz?
Cajetan Lenz

Lenz, a Bochum-born midfielder, joined Bochum’s youth ranks from SV Hontrop in the summer of 2014.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 19-year-old is also able to play further up the field, although he has exclusively featured in his natural role for Bochum this season.

Eligible to represent both Switzerland and Germany, Lenz has pledged his allegiance to Germany and has featured for their Under-19 and Under-20 squads.

Praised as ‘ideal’ by Bochum head coach Uwe Rosler, Lenz captained the U20 side in their 6-0 win over Portugal earlier this month and has won five caps to date following his debut call-up in September.

West Ham Host Liverpool Next
West Ham players

Unbeaten in their last three Premier League games, West Ham next host Liverpool, who have lost six of their last seven top-flight matches.

West Ham’s last victory against the Reds came in November 2021 – the London Stadium side are winless in their last seven league meetings with the defending Premier League champions.