Who Is Raphaël Wicky? | Swiss Manager Linked With West Ham Job
Raphaël Wicky’s name has recently appeared among the candidates linked with taking over from Graham Potter at West Ham United. Mentioned by ExWHUEmployee on The West Ham Way Patreon, the Swiss coach may be unfamiliar to many Hammers supporters, but he carries both a strong playing background and notable managerial experience which is worth looking into. Raphaël Wicky Playing Career Born on 26 April 1977 in Leuggern, Switzerland, Wicky made his name as a defensive midfielder, though he was also trusted in defensive roles. His club career took him from FC Sion to Werder Bremen, Hamburg & Atlético Madrid before finishing in Major League Soccer with Chivas USA. On the international stage, he represented Switzerland seventy-five times between 1996 and 2008. He played in Euro 1996, Euro 2004 & the 2006 World Cup, scoring once against the Faroe Islands in qualifying. Raphaël Wicky Coaching Career After hanging up his boots, Wicky started coaching youth sides at FC Thun and Servette FC in the Swiss Super League. He later moved to FC Basel, rising through their academy before managing the first team in 2017. That season he delivered a league & cup double, even guiding Basel into the Champions League last 16. He then switched to the United States, taking charge of the U.S. Under-17s and later Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. In 2022, Wicky returned to Switzerland to manage Young Boys. His debut campaign brought another league and cup double, as well as Champions League football. He parted ways with the club in March 2024 after a difficult run of results. Raphaël Wicky Previous Links to West Bromwich Albion Earlier this year, Wicky was heavily linked with the West Bromwich Albion job. Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman reported in January that he was in line to succeed Carlos Corberan after his departure to Valencia. Albion were set for their first permanent appointment under the Bilkul ownership, and Wicky was firmly in the frame, however in the end nothing came to fruition. Raphaël Wicky Honours and Achievements Raphaël Wicky West Ham Shortlist Status As of September 2025, Wicky is without a club but continues to be linked with roles across Europe. Claret and Hugh report that while his name has been mentioned, their transfer source confirmed he is not currently one of the final three shortlisted to replace Potter. The outlet added that his profile does not match the type of manager David Sullivan usually appoints, given his lack of Premier League experience. Still, the mere fact he was linked by ExWHUEmployee gives this link at least some weight… or maybe it was a name thrown in just to cause some chaos.
West Ham Turn to Quinten Timber After Fernandes Setback
West Ham United have switched their focus in the transfer market, with Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber now under consideration. The change comes after the Irons pulled back from Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes due to his high valuation. Fernandes Deal Stalls Leads to Timber Interest Fernandes had been one of the main targets in recent weeks. West Ham even returned with an improved bid of £30 million plus £2 million in add-ons, having previously offered £28 million plus £2 million. However, as reported by Jacob Steinberg, Southampton made clear they are not selling at that price, leading the Irons to look elsewhere. On the same day, The Guardian revealed that Timber has become a serious option as the club continue to seek midfield reinforcements. The twenty-four-year-old has only one year left on his deal in Rotterdam and has rejected multiple extension offers. Dutch outlet De Telegraaf note that Timber has been eyeing a move to the Premier League throughout the summer. His situation has put Feyenoord under pressure to consider a sale rather than risk losing him for free next year. Timber’s Feyenoord Situation Feyenoord boss Robin Van Persie recently stripped Timber of the captaincy and gave it to Sem Steijn. He explained the decision was tied to Timber’s refusal to sign a new deal. Despite the contract standoff, Timber has remained a regular starter. Earlier in the year, he suffered an external lateral ligament injury in February that required surgery and ruled him out for the rest of the season. Deal Linked to Alvarez Future The Guardian highlight that West Ham’s move for Timber is also linked to the future of Edson Álvarez. According to ESPN, Álvarez wanted to rejoin Ajax earlier this summer, but the Dutch side were unable to raise the funds. Fenerbahçe then stepped in and are now close to completing a deal, with Porto and Borussia Dortmund also circling. Should Álvarez leave, the Irons plan to bring in two midfielders before the transfer window closes. Timber is one of the players firmly in the frame. Other Midfield Options Reports suggest Timber is not the only option being lined up. The Hammers have already made a bid for Barcelona’s Marc Casado. Lille’s Ngal’ayel Mukau and Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid are also on the list of alternatives. Competition for Timber Timber’s situation has drawn attention across the Premier League. Arsenal are among the clubs interested, with his twin brother Jurrien Timber already part of their squad. Related Article: “TRANSFER CRAZY” | West Ham Submit Triple Midfield Bid as Transfer Push Intensifies
Graham Potter Highlights Lack of Leaders as Pressure Mounts at West Ham
The Athletic, through Roshane Thomas, has reported that Graham Potter is worried about the lack of leaders in his West Ham squad. His comments came after the Hammers’ 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland, a result that has piled early pressure on both the manager and the players. Only two summer signings, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Mads Hermansen, started in that match, with further reinforcements still being targeted in defence, midfield and attack. Bowen Urges Response from West Ham Captain Jarrod Bowen made his feelings clear after the loss. Speaking to the club’s website, he said: “I’m obviously fuming. I thought the goals were quite easy. We’re all disappointed in the manner that we conceded the goals. I’m disappointed and fuming with the start that we’ve had today. The fans will be the most disappointed out of everyone. Coming up here today, they’re expecting more. We all need to give them more.” Potter has noted Bowen’s growing presence as skipper, but the exits of Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal, Michail Antonio and Lukasz Fabianski have left the squad without key senior voices. Potter’s Record and Outlook Since arriving in January, Potter has managed only five wins from 19 league games. A quiet transfer window and the £55 million sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur have added to supporters’ frustration. After the Sunderland defeat, Potter said his side must “do the basics better,” adding: “We have to learn this painful lesson, because if you don’t, you can talk about how well you play, or about attacking football or whatever, but ultimately it doesn’t matter. If you don’t do the basics well, then it’s hard to win games. So we have to really improve that, get back to Rush Green and start working again.” West Ham Board Stands Behind Potter Despite the poor run, the club’s board is standing behind the head coach. Vice-chair Karren Brady defended him on TalkSport, saying: “West Ham is not a club that panics about its managers. We tend to stick with them, support people and see it through. I really hope he does well. He’s a pleasure to work with, he’s incredibly professional. I know his relationship with the players is good. I know he’ll be sitting down with them today to have a long, hard think about what went wrong yesterday, expecting a reaction and expecting to put it right.” Brady led the push to appoint Potter on a two-and-a-half-year deal with no break clause. The club’s history under joint-chair David Sullivan shows that managers are only dismissed when Premier League safety is at risk. Fan Frustrations Over Direction The i Newspaper, through Oliver Young-Myles, reported that fan concerns run far beyond one defeat. Alan Shearer described the Sunderland loss on Match of the Day as showing “no spark, no energy, no reaction.” Former captain Nigel Reo-Coker, now at CBS Sports, suggested the Irons may already be looking at a relegation fight. Dan Lawless of West Ham Fan TV said: “There is no plan or clear strategy. We had Tim Steidten as a technical director who was supposed to be overseeing signings and negotiating for players, but he was let go after the January transfer window after some of the summer signings didn’t work out, and he hasn’t been replaced.” Benji Lanyado, founder of Picfair and contributor to the Totally Football Show, said Nottingham Forest’s handling of Morgan Gibbs-White and the signing of Dan Ndoye showed ambition and clarity that West Ham lack. Transfer Market Activity The club have spent £71 million this summer on Hermansen, Diouf and Jean-Clair Todibo, while also bringing in Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters as free agents. Kudus’ move across London has proved deeply unpopular, especially after his strong start with Spurs. The Guardian, via Jacob Steinberg and Ed Aarons, reported that Potter is targeting two midfielders before the window shuts: one to dictate play from deep and another to provide attacking thrust. West Ham are expected to improve their offer for Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes after an opening bid worth £30 million was rejected. Southampton CEO Phil Parsons said: “We’re not a club that’s going to roll over and just accept a bid because they feel like they want him on the cheap. Everybody has a price, but it’s not cheap. I promise.” Midfield and Squad Issues The midfield has been unsettled since Declan Rice’s £105 million move to Arsenal two years ago. Against Sunderland, James Ward-Prowse and Guido Rodriguez started but both were overrun and substituted. Lawless added: “The midfield issues have been there for everyone to see for the best part of nine months. We need energy, pace, legs in that midfield. Someone to be the engine in there and drive us forward.” Potter also faces a shortage of attacking depth, with Wilson, Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville his main options. In defence, Villarreal are exploring a move for Konstantinos Mavropanos, which would leave the club light in central positions. Edson Alvarez, Andy Irving and Guido Rodriguez are all expected to depart before the window closes. Upcoming Fixtures The next six matches for the claret and blue are against Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Everton and Arsenal. West Ham have not beaten Chelsea, Forest or Spurs in the league since December 2023. With Chelsea visiting London Stadium on Friday, Potter has called for leadership to emerge and for his players to respond quickly.
“TRANSFER CRAZY” | West Ham Submit Triple Midfield Bid as Transfer Push Intensifies
West Ham United have launched a major push in the transfer market with three official bids for midfielders. Reports from multiple outlets confirm that the Irons are stepping up their pursuit of reinforcements, with Mateus Fernandes and Ngal’ayel Mukau among the names in the frame. Triple Bid Confirmed Sean Whetstone (@westhamfootball on X), a close associate of co-owner David Sullivan, revealed the club have tabled three bids in one day. Whetstone added that the Irons hope to land two of the targets but stressed they will not sign all three. Claret & Hugh also spoke to a senior London Stadium insider who confirmed: “Three bids gone in today.” When asked if this meant three signings were expected, the response was more cautious: “No, one possibly two players.” The insider also stressed that, contrary to some reports, the Irons are not waiting for Edson Alvarez’s departure before pushing ahead with midfield signings. Mateus Fernandes the Leading Target According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, West Ham have made an improved offer for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes. It remains unclear if the new bid is high enough, with Southampton previously rejecting £30m. Sean Whetstone (@westhamfootball) report that Fernandes is one of the three players included in the new round of bids. They note that the midfielder wants to leave, and a lack of interest from other Premier League clubs could push Southampton to accept a lower fee than the £50m valuation. Mukau and Other Options Claret & Hugh further report that Lille’s Ngal’ayel Mukau is another midfielder on the list. The club have been linked to him repeatedly this summer, with suggestions a bid would follow if Edson Alvarez moved on. Other reports indicate that Chelsea’s Andrey Santos remains a target. A £45m bid has already been rejected, with discussions about a second offer ongoing. Related Article: West Ham Line Up Midfield Options as Alvarez Exit Nears Edson Alvarez Fenerbahce Deal Stalled Meanwhile, Edson Alvarez’s future is unresolved. Fabrizio Romano reports that Fenerbahçe have agreed terms with West Ham for a loan deal that includes a substantial fee, full wage coverage, and a buy option that is not mandatory. However, Romano notes that no decision has been made by the player. Claret & Hugh add that while Fenerbahçe’s proposal is financially strong, covering all of Alvarez’s salary, the club he prefers would only pay half his wages. This has left the move on hold. A senior source also told them that all approaches so far for the Mexican international have been “sadly only loans.” Summer Business and Ownership Context So far, the Irons have let eight first-team players go and brought in four, with only El Hadji Malick Diouf and Mads Hermansen considered regular starters. Financial restrictions tied to Profitability and Sustainability Regulations remain a concern, with over £100m losses projected in December. Despite calls from sections of the fanbase for change and rumours of a US takeover, Vice-Chair Karren Brady has stated the current owners remain committed to the club. Claret & Hugh’s insider added that given the timing of negotiations, it is unlikely any of the new signings will be finalised before Friday’s clash with Chelsea.
West Ham Line Up Midfield Options as Alvarez Exit Nears
With Edson Alvarez heading towards the exit door, West Ham are lining up possible replacements. Reports have linked the Irons with three midfielders as the club scrambles to strengthen before the window closes. Chelsea’s Andrey Santos on the radar Sky Sports reported that the claret and blue are keeping a close eye on Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. The 21-year-old shone on loan at Strasbourg last season, earning a Brazil debut under Carlo Ancelotti. Competition for minutes at Chelsea is tough, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez ahead of him. Tim Vickery told Sky Sports: “There’s been interest from West Ham,” but Chelsea’s stance remains unclear given Santos is tied down long-term. The Sporting News added that Santos has only five Chelsea appearances to his name, four of them coming at the Club World Cup. He has also had loan spells with Vasco da Gama, Nottingham Forest and Strasbourg. Lille’s Ngal’ayel Mukau a serious target Hammers News reported that West Ham are preparing a bid for Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau. Madrid-based journalist Zafer Ertas said the move will follow once Alvarez’s transfer to Fenerbahce is complete. Mukau, aged 20, is a Belgium-born DR Congo international who impressed against the Irons in pre-season. He also plays alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka at international level. Barcelona’s Marc Casado under watch West Ham Zone reported that Barcelona’s Marc Casado is another option being weighed up. Marca claimed both West Ham and Wolves are monitoring the 21-year-old, with a £26m bid not ruled out before the deadline. Casado has already made 41 appearances for Barcelona, including 36 last season before a ligament injury cut his campaign short. A product of La Masia, he has been trusted by Hansi Flick at the base of midfield. According to FBref data, Casado averaged 68 passes per game with a 90% completion rate. The Irons previously tried to sign him in 2022, but he rejected the move back then. A midfield rebuild on the cards With Alvarez’s departure edging closer, Graham Potter is left with a weakened midfield. Santos, Mukau and Casado have all been reported as possible additions, giving West Ham several routes to address one of their biggest problems before the window shuts.
West Ham’s Striker Search Turns to Free Agent Jamie Vardy
The Sun report that West Ham United are weighing up a move for 38-year-old free agent Jamie Vardy. The former Leicester City forward scored nine league goals last season and could be brought in as the Irons look for more firepower. Potter’s Words Under Scrutiny The links raise questions over Graham Potter’s recruitment policy. Earlier in the summer, the West Ham boss said: “I think it makes sense for us to lower [the age of the squad], because then you’re talking more about value and resale and a different profile of player. I’m not ageist. But I also understand the bigger global picture of football, and I’ve come in from the last two clubs [where they] would look to younger players because there are upsides to younger players.” Despite this, the club have already added experience in Callum Wilson, who turns thirty-four this season, and Kyle Walker-Peters, who will be twenty-nine before the campaign ends. One of the Oldest Attacks in the League Vardy’s arrival could give the Irons one of the oldest strikeforces the Premier League has seen. With Niclas Fullkrug, aged thirty-three this season, and Wilson already in the squad, the addition of Vardy would take their combined age to 106 by April. Henry Tomlinson of The Sun also reported that the club have held talks with Vardy’s camp, with Celtic and Brentford monitoring the situation. Forward Options Under Pressure The Hammers parted ways with Michail Antonio, who turns thirty-six in February, and replaced him with Wilson. Concerns remain over his injury record, while Fullkrug struggled in the 3-0 loss at Sunderland, losing nine out of ten duels he contested. Supporters had been excited by links to 18-year-old Idrissa Gueye of Metz, but reports suggest the focus has shifted to Vardy, who turns thirty-nine in January. Record in Sight If Vardy does move to east London, he could even challenge Teddy Sheringham’s record as the Premier League’s oldest scorer. Sheringham set that milestone with West Ham when he was over forty. For now, the veteran striker remains on the club’s radar as Potter searches for solutions before the transfer window closes.
Edson Alvarez Transfer to Fenerbahce Faces Late Twist
Edson Alvarez’s exit from West Ham looked set to be wrapped up quickly, but fresh reports now suggest the deal is far from straightforward. Interest from other clubs has complicated the midfielder’s expected move to Fenerbahce. Deal with Fenerbahce Not Complete Claret & Hugh reported that the move to Turkey has been described by a transfer source as “not done yet.” The source explained: “The transfer is a year-long loan with an option to buy. Wages covered and a loan fee. But the deal isn’t done yet because another club has gone in very late. Terms are agreed with Fenerbahce but things could change now another club has come in.” According to the outlet, West Ham have also tasked intermediaries with finding clubs for Alvarez, Andy Irving, Guido Rodriguez and Emerson. Interest From Across Europe Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian reported that Porto and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs to have shown interest in Alvarez. C&H had already noted Dortmund’s admiration earlier this year, while Porto’s approach has only emerged recently and is thought to include a concrete offer. Turkish journalist Sercan Hamzaoglu revealed that Alvarez’s agent received “another serious offer” on Tuesday morning. He added that Fenerbahce’s wage package remains the strongest option. Fenerbahce’s Push for Alvarez Alvarez was an unused substitute in the Hammers’ 3-0 defeat at Sunderland and will likely play no further part in their campaign. Jose Mourinho, manager of Fenerbahce, is determined to bring him in (according to multiple reports including Fabrizio Romano). The Turkish side advanced to the Champions League play-off round with a 6-4 aggregate win over Feyenoord, who are managed by Robin van Persie. They now face Benfica for a place in the group stage. Mourinho, a two-time Champions League winner, is reported to view Alvarez as an important signing for that challenge. The Istanbul club have already added Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, Milan Skriniar from Paris Saint-Germain, Nelson Semedo on a free from Wolves and Jhon Duran on loan from Al Nassr. Decision Imminent Reports in Turkey had suggested the move was close, but new competition has slowed the process. Multiple outlets agree his departure from the Irons looks inevitable, though there is still a chance he could be involved when they face Chelsea on Friday night.
West Ham Close In On Idrissa Gueye Transfer as Metz Set €15m Price Tag
West Ham Reportedly Close In On Idrissa Gueye Transfer as Metz Set €15m Price Tag West Ham United are reportedly making real progress in their pursuit of Idrissa Gueye, according to transfer journalist @sebnonda. The source claims talks between the club and the 18-year-old striker are going well, with FC Metz setting their asking price at €15million for the Senegalese forward. Reports Suggest Competition from Manchester United and Dortmund According to the same reports, the young striker isn’t short of admirers across Europe. Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and another English club are all said to be tracking Gueye’s situation closely, making this a competitive race for one of France’s hottest prospects. Gueye has caught everyone’s attention after scoring five goals and providing one assist in 20 Ligue two appearances last season. His performances have established him as one of Metz’s most promising talents despite his age. Gueye Signing Would Support Potter’s Youth Policy This potential signing fits perfectly with Graham Potter’s plan to bring down the age of the Premier League’s oldest squad. It’s a refreshing change from some of the Hammers’ other summer business, which included 28-year-old Kyle Walker-Peters and 32-year-old Callum Wilson. The connection to Senegal runs deeper too. Gueye’s international teammate El Hadji Malick Diouf has already made the switch to the London Stadium this summer and impressed during pre-season. Versatile Striker Offers Multiple Position Options Gueye isn’t just a one-trick pony up front. The teenager can operate as a centre-forward, right winger or second striker, giving Potter tactical flexibility. His direct attacking style and nose for goal have made him stand out in French football. At €15million, this represents a serious investment in youth for the Irons. The fee would rank among West Ham’s pricier teenage acquisitions as Potter builds for both the present and future.
West Ham Target Raheem Sterling | Youthful Rebuild Plans Come Under Scrutiny
West Ham United are among the clubs keeping tabs on Raheem Sterling, according to talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook. The news has sparked questions about whether the Hammers are abandoning their commitment to building a younger squad under Graham Potter. Potter’s History with Sterling The 30-year-old winger and Hammers boss Graham Potter enjoyed a solid working relationship during their time together at Stamford Bridge. However, some feel that Potter will need to avoid tactical experimentation if Sterling is to succeed at the London Stadium. The manager admitted he looked “a bit of a fool” after playing Sterling and Christian Pulisic as wing-backs during Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat to Brighton in October 2022. Sterling’s Fall from Grace Sterling is training with a group of players Chelsea are willing to send out on loan, separated from Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad. The winger struggled at Stamford Bridge and failed to impress during his loan spell at Arsenal last season. Sterling, who turns 31 next season, has suffered a dramatic fall from grace since leaving Manchester City. His hefty wages make a permanent move difficult, with a loan deal appearing the only realistic option. Competition and Fan Reaction Fulham, Crystal Palace and Juventus are also interested in the England international, who prefers to stay in London. However, reaction to the Sterling claims in West Ham circles has been fierce, with supporters unhappy at the prospect. The potential signing represents a significant departure from Potter’s promised youthful rebuild. Speaking in June, Potter said: “I think it makes sense for us to lower it (the age of the squad), because then you’re talking more about value and resale and a different profile of player.” The Irons’ first summer signing was 20-year-old El Hadji Malick Diouf, but their other signings have been older free agents Kyle Walker-Peters (28) and Callum Wilson (33). It leaves supporters questioning whether the club’s strategy is falling apart before it even got started.
OFFICIAL: Callum Wilson Signs for West Ham United
Callum Wilson is officially a West Ham player. The club confirmed the striker’s arrival on a one-year deal following his release from Newcastle United. It’s a move that’s been rumoured for weeks, and now it’s done, although not without a bit of tension among the fanbase. The 32-year-old joins with plenty of top-flight experience, but there’s a bit of history here too. From previous snubs to cheeky digs about the Hammers on his podcast, this transfer has sparked mixed reactions. Callum Wilson’s Career So Far Wilson’s record in the Premier League speaks for itself. With 239 appearances and 111 direct goal involvements, he’s proven he can deliver. He broke through at Coventry City, climbed the ranks at Bournemouth, and then became a regular scorer at Newcastle. His 18-goal haul in the 2022 to 2023 season was the standout, helping Newcastle push into the Champions League places. He’s also got nine England caps to his name, along with a goal on his international debut. But Hammers fans haven’t forgotten his decision to join Newcastle over West Ham back in 2020, and that’s part of the backdrop here. Past Digs at West Ham Stir Mixed Reaction Among Supporters This signing hasn’t exactly brought universal joy in east London. Wilson’s been known to poke fun at the Irons during his appearances on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, co-hosted with Michail Antonio. At one point, he even joked about West Ham’s Conference League triumph. While he later clarified his issue was just with Antonio, saying, “It’s only Michail I don’t like, not the West Ham fans,” that hasn’t stopped supporters feeling a certain type of way. The jokes, the sly digs, the perception that we’re a fallback after he turned us down before… it’s left a sour taste for some. Potter’s View on Callum Wilson Despite the fan debate, Graham Potter is confident Wilson will be a key addition. In comments to the club’s media, the head coach called him “a proven, experienced Premier League striker” and highlighted his “great work ethic” and “fantastic goalscoring record.” Potter also pointed to Wilson’s leadership qualities, saying he’ll be a strong influence on younger attackers in the squad. For a team that lacked cutting edge at times last season, Wilson’s arrival brings something different and potentially vital. The Fit at West Ham: Where Wilson Could Make His Impact With Niclas Füllkrug already in the squad, Wilson may not be an automatic starter every week, but his knack for goals and Premier League nous could prove valuable, especially off the bench or during injuries. Let’s not forget: in just his third top-flight appearance, Wilson scored a hat-trick at Upton Park. Ten years later, he returns to east London, this time wearing claret and blue. A Divisive Signing, but Time to Back Him It’s fair to say this move has split opinion. Not everyone wanted him, and some still don’t. But now that he’s through the door, he’ll need the backing. Wilson becomes the club’s third summer signing after El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters. Whether he proves people wrong or not, he’s got a point to prove, and he knows it. If he starts banging them in, all will be forgiven pretty quickly. But it’s on him now to let his football do the talking.