Maxime Esteve has been a key figure in Burnley’s outstanding defensive record this season, catching the attention of top clubs such as West Ham, Everton, and AC Milan after a standout campaign in the Championship.
With Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos struggling with inconsistency, West Ham’s need for a reliable centre-back has become increasingly apparent, and Esteve could be the perfect fit for their squad. The Hammers are set to undergo a major squad overhaul under manager Graham Potter and recruitment chief Kyle Macaulay this summer, following the disruptions caused by the previous management under Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham faces stiff competition for Esteve’s signature, with several clubs vying for his services, meaning that Potter will need to act quickly if he hopes to secure the Burnley star.
David Prutton, a Sky Sports host, believes that Esteve has what it takes to make the leap to the Premier League. Speaking to Football League World, Prutton highlighted the 22-year-old’s maturity and consistency in his performances, pointing out that Esteve has been a reliable presence in Burnley’s backline, having featured in every league match this season. He also noted that Burnley’s impressive clean sheet record, with 27 shutouts, is a testament to Esteve’s capabilities, and it suggests that he could be ready for the higher level of competition in the Premier League.
Esteve has been a key contributor to Burnley’s remarkable defensive record, having started every league game this season and helping the team concede just 11 goals. Despite the Clarets’ defensive dominance, they are still two points off an automatic promotion spot, meaning that any potential transfer could be easier to finalize if Burnley remains in the Championship.
Esteve’s stats this season highlight his impressive performances: he has played 38 matches, won 61.6% of his duels, and boasts a pass accuracy rate of 90.6%. Additionally, he has won 63.9% of his aerial duels. While Burnley is still in the hunt for promotion, if they fail to go up, Esteve’s move to a Premier League club could become more likely. However, West Ham will face tough competition from Everton and Milan for his signature, making it a challenging pursuit for Potter’s side.
In the event that Burnley secures promotion, it may complicate negotiations for Esteve, but the allure of joining a stable Premier League club could still prove tempting, especially for a player looking to make a step up in his career.