West Ham lose out as Super Eagles hopeful edges close to permanent Gent move

There were rumours of a West Ham bid for the German-Nigerian defender, but it appears a return to Belgium is about to be completed

Hertha Berlin defender Jordan Torunarigha is set for a return to KAA Gent as the former Belgian champions are close to completing a permanent move for the German youth international.

After spending almost sixteen years at Hertha BSC, the club he joined as a six-year-old, Torunarigha left for the first time in January on a loan deal to Gent.

With 73 Bundesliga caps to his name, it was no surprise to see the 24-year-old excel in Belgium, making 15 appearances and winning the Belgian Cup.

A dream switch to the English Premier League was on the cards this summer, with West Ham reportedly keen on Torunarigha.

But German publication, Kicker, reports that negotiations have broken down with the Hammers, with Gent back as the favourites to retain the services of the centre-half.

The report claims Hertha Berlin have accepted a bid of €3.5 million from the Belgians while including a significant sell-on percentage in the contract.

In support of that claim, the Germans already confirmed that Torunarigha is no longer at the team’s preseason training camp, ahead of a move to an unnamed club.

Torunarigha is expected to undergo a routine medical examination at Gent on Monday or Tuesday before the deal is made official.

Born in Germany to a Nigerian father, a former Shooting Stars of Ibadan ace, Torunarigha has represented his country of birth at several youth levels. He, however, remains eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.