<p>West Ham is now in talks to recruit skilled US national team defender Mark McKenzie for the next summer transfer window.</p>



<p>Just before relocating to Belgium in January 2021, 25-year-old Mark McKenzie thrived in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-mls-on-us-tv-and-internet/">MLS</a> with the Philadelphia Union. Since his arrival, he has been an anchor in Genk’s defense.</p>



<p>Before winning the Belgian Cup in April of that year, he played in 16 games overall in the second half of the season. Then, over the last three years with Genk, McKenzie has been a consistent player, making 117 appearances while registering five goals and four assists.</p>



<p>His performances in Belgium have earned him 13 appearances for the United States men’s national team. Last month, he was a member of the squad that won the CONCACAF Nations League for the third time. However, in what seems like the next chapter of his club career, he may be heading to England.</p>



<p>According to many Belgian publications that covered the story on Thursday, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a> club West Ham has its eye on McKenzie. Current terms for the ex-homegrown defender of the Philadelphia Union with Genk extend until June 2025.</p>



<h2>West Ham presents a massive jump for Mark McKenzie</h2>



<p>Reporter Sacha Tavolieri of Belgium made the revelation that West Ham “adores” KRC Genk’s 25-year-old center defender in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=EyPd6mB3yvJ_ceKh&amp;v=UbNTKIITYv4&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unibet Belgium YouTube video</a>. The fact that the Hammers have initiated negotiations with McKenzie’s agents shows how seriously they take the matter.</p>



<p>The American international will reportedly eagerly seize the chance to play in the Premier League. The 25-year-old can push himself to new limits, and this would be a huge career jump for him. Mark McKenzie may find a platform to fight for trophies at West Ham, which is presently playing in the UEFA Europa League. If the deal goes through, the defender will be looking to make an immediate impact for West Ham in the Premier League.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/16043633/Mark-McKenzie-tackle-1200x670-1200x670.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-499383" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<p>To have a successful next season, they will need to shore up their defense, which has been shaky thus far. It will likely be one of their main objectives to sign a top-tier center defender. They undoubtedly have the financial power to make it happen.</p>



<p>However, Genk is allegedly not feeling any pressure to sell McKenzie this summer, even if West Ham is quite interested. The Belgian club has a commanding position in the negotiations, so a definitive agreement is unlikely to happen very soon.</p>



<h2>Coaching carousel may impact West Ham transfer moves</h2>



<p>As the summer transfer window approaches, West Ham will undoubtedly make several moves. Many fans will be hoping for several upgrades to the team.</p>



<p>Rumors have circulated in the past linking Manchester City and Lucas Paqueta. If this were to happen, the Hammers would have to make a significant transfer. However, defensively, there will most certainly be changes as well. However, it is still not obvious <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/west-ham-stalls-on-renewing-david-moyes-contract-20240212-WST-489140.html">who will be in charge of the club next season</a>, making it more difficult to set specific goals.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


West Ham look to USMNT star to solve defensive issues

West Ham are now in talks to recruit skilled US national team defender Mark McKenzie for the next summer transfer window.

<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-401031" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2022/09/USMNT-center-backs-1200x725.webp" alt="USMNT center back" width="1200" height="725" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div>
<p>Addressing members of the media on Monday, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> goalkeeper Matt Turner discussed the injuries to his defenders.</p>
<p>Most recently, <a href="https://twitter.com/USMNT/status/1571586589154856960">Cameron Carter-Vickers and Chris Richards withdrew</a> from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/09/14/usmnt-announces-roster-for-september-friendlies/">USMNT’s September squad</a>. Both deal with injuries, and thus miss the pair of games scheduled against Japan and Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p>Back in May, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/05/09/usmnt-injury-crisis-world-cup/">Miles Robinson</a>, a mainstay at center back with Walker Zimmerman during World Cup Qualifying, tore his Achilles in an MLS game. While the Atlanta United defender is working through recovery, it may be a challenge for him to be healthy, much less fit, in time for the World Cup.</p>
<p>Naturally, the replacements for Carter-Vickers and Richards in September’s games are two more center backs. Erik Palmer-Brown and Mark McKenzie, both of whom played during World Cup qualifying, fill in the void in the upcoming games.</p>
<p>Turner says it does not matter who plays in front of him. For him, the talent and options at Gregg Berhalter’s disposal are strong, no matter the name on the back of the shirt.</p>
<h3>Concerns for the USMNT at center back?</h3>

<audio class="wp-audio-shortcode" id="audio-401025-1" preload="none" style="width: 100%;" controls="controls"><source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-Close-knit-players.mp3?_=1"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-Close-knit-players.mp3">https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-Close-knit-players.mp3</a></audio>
<p>Matt Turner, who played for Arsenal as the Gunners won 2-1 in their Europa League opener, does not receive regular first-team minutes. He plays behind Aaron Ramsdale, generally seeing appearances in the Europa League or potential cup competitions later this season. His move to Arsenal stemmed instead from trying to get better and improving with the heightened competition of an elite club like Arsenal.</p>
<audio class="wp-audio-shortcode" id="audio-401025-2" preload="none" style="width: 100%;" controls="controls"><source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-to-Arsenal.mp3?_=2"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-to-Arsenal.mp3">https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-to-Arsenal.mp3</a></audio>
<p>For the United States, he is the likely starter, but the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/06/24/usmnt-goalkeepers-lack-of-playing-time-creates-big-dilemma/">lack of minutes is a concern to consider</a>. He performs well in the Red, White and Blue, but he does that behind a relatively consistent defense.</p>
<p>With Walker Zimmerman perhaps the only healthy option at the back to see consistent and reliable minutes during World Cup qualifying, the pair of games against Japan and Saudi Arabia bring a new focus on the goalkeeper and defense.</p>
<p>For Turner, the change of those in front of him allows one of his other strong suits to flourish. If familiarity is not there, organization and management take over. On the field, that comes from the goalkeeper. In steps Turner, who accredits his communication as a reason for his comfort in goal even if he does not have experience with his center backs for the USMNT.</p>
<audio class="wp-audio-shortcode" id="audio-401025-3" preload="none" style="width: 100%;" controls="controls"><source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-communication.mp3?_=3"><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-communication.mp3">https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Matt-Turner-communication.mp3</a></audio>
<p>The United States plays the first of two friendlies on Friday, Sep. 23, against Japan. Four days later, the U.S. is in Spain to take on another World-Cup-bound squad, Saudi Arabia.</p>
<p><em>PHOTO: Imago / Icon Sportswire</em></p>

Matt Turner doesn't fear lack of continuity at USMNT center back

The revolving door at center back for the USMNT is a concern for most. That does not apply to likely starter in goal, Matt Turner.

Matt Turner doesn't fear lack of continuity at USMNT center back - World Soccer Talk

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West Ham look to USMNT star to solve defensive issues

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Matt Turner doesn't fear lack of continuity at USMNT center back