West Ham United Compete To Sign This 20-Year-Old French Defender: Does Nuno Need Him?

Reports emerging from the continent, specifically via Quotidiano Sportivo, highlight that El Chadaille Bitshiabu is unsettled at RB Leipzig. The young French defender has found opportunities incredibly scarce during the 2025/2026 campaign. He has managed a mere 202 minutes of football across five appearances.

West Ham United are in the race for El Chadaille Bitshiabu

This lack of involvement has alerted several clubs across Europe. These clubs sense a chance to sign a talented prospect whose career has simply stalled in Germany. Bologna appear to be the most proactive suitor at this stage. A significant setback to Jhon Lucumí has forced the Italian side into the market.

The Colombian centre-back sustained a femoral bicep injury against Como. This injury will rule him out for approximately a month. So, Bologna’s hierarchy has initiated contact regarding Bitshiabu. They view him as a viable solution to plug their defensive gap.

However, they are not alone. A growing list of competitors, including Leeds United, Bournemouth, AS Monaco, West Ham United and Lyon, are also monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation. There is a real feeling that intense competition might price Bologna out of a move. The Italian club are hoping for a straightforward, low-cost transaction to cover their short-term injury crisis.

Does Nuno’s West Ham United Require Bitshiabu?

The links to West Ham United are worth watching, given the precarious position the London club find themselves in under Nuno Espírito Santo. The Hammers are currently languishing in the relegation zone, sitting 18th in the Premier League table.

Their defensive record is nothing short of catastrophic. They have already shipped 43 goals this season. Nuno took charge in September following Graham Potter’s departure. He is now fighting for his managerial life after a dismal run of ten games without a victory.

Does West Ham need Bitshiabu?

SINSHEIM, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 08: El Chadaille Bitshiabu of RB Leipzig looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig at the PreZero-Arena on November 08, 2025 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The statistics suggest a desperate need for defensive reinforcement. The current backline has proven porous and disorganised. It seems unable to stem the flow of goals that threatens to drag the club into the Championship. A young, physically imposing defender like Bitshiabu could offer the raw attributes they lack.

However, signing a 20-year-old with minimal match sharpness is a massive gamble. This is especially true when trying to shore up a relegation-threatened defence. Nuno typically favours tactical discipline and experience. Bitshiabu has not really had the chance to show those qualities lately.

While the Hammers clearly need fresh blood in defence, an unproven prospect might not be the immediate “fix the team requires. The board has backed Nuno with attacking signings like Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos. However, the club would be negligent if they ignored the defensive fragility.

Bitshiabu represents a high-risk, high-reward option. If the Frenchman adapts quickly, he could be a revelation. On the flip side, he could struggle with the physicality and pace of the Premier League after months on the Leipzig bench.

In that case, he could become another casualty of West Ham’s chaotic season. Ultimately, West Ham needs defenders. Specifically, they need defenders who can perform immediately, whether Bitshiabu fits that specific profile remains the critical question for the scouting department at the London Stadium.