West Ham secures Greece International Konstantinos Mavropanos from Stuttgart
West Ham United have sealed a deal with VfB Stuttgart, bringing Greece international centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos to London Stadium.
The player, affectionately referred to as 'Dinos' by those close to him, has committed to a five-year contract, with the transfer amount remaining undisclosed.
Hailing from Athens, the towering 6’4 defender is thrilled about his return to the Premier League and said, “I am really happy and excited to be here – and to be back in the Premier League with West Ham United.”
Mavropanos previously debuted in the Premier League with Arsenal in 2018.
Reflecting on West Ham's triumph in the previous season, he added, “It’s an exciting time to be joining the club after last season’s Conference League win – and I am really looking forward to the next step in my career. I can promise the fans I will give everything for them and the shirt.”
West Ham's gaffer, David Moyes, expressed his satisfaction over the acquisition of Mavropanos, who topped the Bundesliga charts in interceptions last season and is a consistent choice for Greece's national squad.
The manager sees this addition as a strategic move to bolster the team's defensive prowess, especially when viewed alongside existing key players like Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Angelo Ogbonna, and the versatile Thilo Kehrer.
“We’ve been looking to add to our centre-half options this summer, so it’s good we’ve been able to bring in an international defender of his ability.
“We’re really looking forward to integrating him into the group.”
Mavropanos began his football journey with Athens-based Apollon Smyrnis and then inked a professional deal with PAS Giannina in 2016.
Arsenal spotted his talent and brought him to their fold in 2018.
Post his stint with the Gunners, the young talent was loaned to 1. FC Nürnberg in January 2020, followed by two seasons with Stuttgart, where he eventually became a permanent member in May 2022.
On the international front, after representing Greece at the U21 level, Mavropanos debuted for the senior team in March 2021. Since then, he has become an integral part of the national team, participating in multiple qualifiers.