West Ham Holding Talks for Saint-Étienne Striker Lucas Stassin
West Ham United have opened talks to sign Lucas Stassin from Saint-Étienne as part of the club’s plans to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to a recent report from Team Football. The 20-year-old Belgian forward scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season and has been identified as possible firepower due to the lack of strikers in the current squad. Lens Lead the Race but West Ham Step In It’s reported that RC Lens already have an agreement in place for Stassin, but West Ham have now entered the picture and are said to be making a serious push to sign him. Saint-Étienne are looking to cash in on the striker, with the fee believed to be around £15 million. That comes despite them not facing urgent financial pressure, even following their relegation to Ligue 2. The Hammers aren’t alone in the chase. Sporting CP, Brighton, Brentford, Wolves, Marseille, Rennes, Leipzig and Paris FC have all been linked with interest. What Stassin Brings and Where He Fits Stassin is already building a reputation as one of Belgium’s more promising young forwards. Before joining Saint-Étienne, he scored 11 goals and notched six assists in 32 games for KVC Westerlo. Last season, he followed that up with 12 goals and five assists in France, showing good movement and composure in front of goal. Despite that form, Team Football reports that it’s unlikely Graham Potter would rely on him as a regular starter straight away. The physical demands and intensity of the Premier League are seen as reasons West Ham would prefer to bring in a more seasoned striker to lead the line. Focus Remains on Prem-Ready Striker Potter, who’s preparing for his first full season in charge, remains intent on signing at least one proven centre-forward. With Ings nearing the exit and Antonio’s situation still uncertain, securing a consistent goal threat has become a top priority for West Ham’s recruitment team. The club are expected to stay active in the market, with more signings likely as Potter looks to reshape the squad and push for a stronger league finish next season.
West Ham Reportedly Interested in £25m Nice Striker Evann Guessand
West Ham United are exploring a move for OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand, according to the Daily Mail. The 23-year-old striker, who impressed in Ligue 1 last season, has also drawn strong interest from Wolves following their recent £62.5 million sale of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United. Guessand netted 13 goals for Nice as they secured a fourth-place finish and qualified for Europe. Though under contract until 2028, he’s reportedly valued at around £20 to £25 million. Wolves in Pole Position, But West Ham Remain Active Wolves may have the financial advantage after the Cunha deal and have already spent £23 million on Jorgen Strand Larsen. Meanwhile, West Ham’s ability to make big signings could depend on player sales this summer. The Daily Mail reports that the club is open to offers for players like Mohammed Kudus and Niclas Fullkrug, with those departures potentially funding a move for a new forward. Michail Antonio, now out of contract after an injury-hit season, is expected to leave. Potter’s Rebuild Begins to Take Shape West Ham finished with just 43 points last season, and the lack of firepower up front remains a clear issue Graham Potter is keen to fix. Since replacing David Moyes mid-season, Potter has been working on reshaping the squad with more tactical flexibility and attacking threat. Guessand is seen as a strong fit for that project thanks to his mobility and technical ability. While Wolves may be ready to act faster, West Ham are still in the picture and are expected to step up their interest once some outgoings are confirmed.
Galatasaray Forward Baris Alper Yilmaz Offered to West Ham
West Ham United are one of several European clubs to have been approached about a potential move for Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz, according to Football Italia. The Turkey international has reportedly been proposed to teams across the continent as intermediaries search for a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues. Yilmaz Pushed Toward Premier League Clubs As reported by Calciomercato.it, agents working on Yilmaz’s behalf have been sounding out clubs including West Ham, Inter Milan, Nottingham Forest, and RB Leipzig. The 25-year-old, most often used on the left flank, is seen as a flexible option who can play anywhere across the front line. Yilmaz is under contract with Galatasaray until 2027 but is said to be open to a new challenge. This past season, he scored 14 goals and provided six assists across 48 appearances in all competitions. His international record is more modest, with two goals and three assists in 28 games for Turkey. Asking Price a Sticking Point? While West Ham have shown some level of interest, the Turkish club’s reported €35 million price tag could prove a stumbling block. Football Italia notes that no official offer has come from the London side so far. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest and Inter Milan are also believed to be weighing up a move for the player, which could complicate West Ham’s chances if they choose to push forward. Uncertainty Around Next Steps Galatasaray haven’t made any public comments regarding Yilmaz’s availability or their willingness to enter negotiations. With multiple clubs involved and the summer window just getting started, things remain wide open. After a transitional season, West Ham are expected to be active in the market. Yilmaz is one of several names being linked as possible reinforcements up front, with the club looking to reshape the squad before the 2024/25 campaign begins.
West Ham Battling With Everton for Two Targets
West Ham are reportedly pushing to sign Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Villarreal striker Thierno Barry, according to updates from Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri and Claret & Hugh. Both players are said to be key targets for the Hammers this summer, though Everton remain in contention for each deal. West Ham Lead the Chase for Onyedika Sacha Tavolieri reports that West Ham and Everton are both in the running for Raphael Onyedika, but the Hammers have shown “the most concrete interest” so far. Onyedika, 24, made 52 appearances for Club Brugge last season, including 11 in the Champions League. He caught attention with a long-range goal against Manchester City in January. The Nigerian midfielder is under contract until 2026, though Club Brugge are reportedly open to offers in the region of £25 million, per Tavolieri. Everton also see Onyedika as a key midfield option, especially with Abdoulaye Doucouré’s departure. Football Talk suggests the move reflects new West Ham boss Graham Potter’s focus on younger, technically adaptable players. The club recently signed 19-year-old forward Daniel Cummings from Celtic, who is set to join officially this summer. With two Premier League sides circling, timing could be crucial for both clubs. West Ham may need to step up talks if they want to stay ahead of Everton in the race. £34m Move for Barry Being Prepared Separately, Claret & Hugh claim West Ham are preparing a £34 million offer for Villarreal forward Thierno Barry. ESPN first linked Everton with a move for Barry earlier this month, while Crystal Palace are also believed to be monitoring the situation. Barry, 22, joined Villarreal from FC Basel last summer and quickly made his mark with 11 goals and 4 assists across 35 appearances in La Liga. He also featured in France’s Under-21 Euros squad, coming off the bench in their semi-final loss to Germany. Claret & Hugh describe Barry as a strong fit for West Ham’s evolving transfer approach, which puts priority on emerging talent with European experience. Recruitment chief Kyle Macaulay is expected to be influential in this pursuit, given his background scouting in the Swiss league where Barry broke through. Fan site Knees up Mother Brown has even floated the idea that West Ham’s board might directly back key transfers this summer. Claret & Hugh noted this could affect big-money moves like Barry’s. No formal bids have been confirmed for either player, but interest is building. With Everton chasing both targets as well, West Ham could face a fight to get deals over the line before the window really kicks into gear.
Coufal Looking to Stay in Premier League After West Ham Exit
Vladimir Coufal is aiming to secure a move that keeps him in the Premier League following his departure from West Ham United. According to Hammers News, the 32-year-old Czech full-back is weighing up his next steps after five seasons in East London, with his agent currently exploring potential clubs. Agent Weighs Up Options Speaking to talkSPORT, Coufal’s agent Stephen Hunt confirmed the defender’s preference to stay in England’s top flight. “I look after Coufal at West Ham at the moment. We are just testing our options with him,” Hunt said. “I put as much effort into a small deal as I do a big deal because I know how important it is.” Coufal, who turns 33 in August, has ruled out a return to the Czech Republic. In an interview with Czech publication Idnes, he said a move to Spain was also appealing. “It would be ideal to stay in England, that would be the priority,” he said. “But there are other options. I would like Spain, where it’s warm.” Leeds Among Clubs Showing Interest Leeds United, fresh off promotion to the Premier League, are one of the clubs reportedly keeping tabs on Coufal. Hammers News reported that Fulham had made an approach for the defender back in January, but West Ham turned it down at the time. Coufal addressed the failed move: “[West Ham turning down Fulham] was part of football. They told me they wouldn’t let me leave, and I’ve gotten over it.” Exit Confirmed After Five-Season Spell West Ham announced at the end of the season that Coufal would depart alongside Aaron Cresswell and Łukasz Fabiański, as new head coach Graham Potter looks to refresh the squad. According to Hammers News, Coufal was informed of the decision shortly before the club’s 2-0 win over Manchester United in April. In an emotional reflection, Coufal described his exit to Idnes: “I would compare it to not wanting to leave the girl you love and she leaves you. That’s very unpleasant. But I played there for five years and I think at a decent level. I left something there.” He added that the reaction to his departure took him by surprise. “The reactions were incredible. I didn’t expect that.” Despite his age, Coufal has no intention of stepping away from top-level football just yet. “I’ll take a vacation and then I’ll slowly prepare for the new season, just like I’m preparing normally,” he said.
West Ham keeping tabs on Chelsea’s Omari Hutchinson amid growing interest
West Ham are tracking Chelsea’s Omari Hutchinson after a strong loan spell at Ipswich Town last season, according to reports from The 4th Official and the Daily Mail. The 21-year-old winger has also attracted attention from Fulham and Everton ahead of the summer window. Hutchinson caught the eye at Ipswich Hutchinson came through Arsenal’s academy before switching to Chelsea, and spent last season gaining experience on loan at Ipswich. Despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League, he made a clear impact. Capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, Hutchinson’s versatility is one of the traits reportedly appealing to West Ham. Rohit Sarkar of The 4th Official suggests the club may see him as a future replacement for Mohammed Kudus, whose recent agent switch hints at a possible exit this summer. £30 million asking price seen as manageable Chelsea are believed to value Hutchinson at around £30 million. While that’s a sizable fee, it’s one The 4th Official claims could still fit within West Ham’s budget if they believe strongly enough in his potential. The same report highlights his skill in tight areas, vision, and technical control. It also notes he sometimes rushes key decisions in the final third, an area he’ll be expected to grow in with more top-flight minutes. Fulham and Everton still in the mix Fulham and Everton are also monitoring him and, like West Ham, could offer Premier League football next season. All three clubs appear to view Hutchinson not just as a depth signing but as someone who could eventually become a central part of their attack. The 4th Official even compares his ceiling favourably to other young wingers such as Anthony Elanga and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Where he ends up remains to be seen, but it’s clear his development hasn’t gone unnoticed. Expect more movement once the transfer window formally opens.
West Ham Tracking Liverpool Midfielder Tyler Morton
West Ham United are monitoring Liverpool’s Tyler Morton with a possible summer move in mind, according to a report from AnfieldIndex. The 22-year-old has drawn interest amid a broader squad reshuffle both at Anfield and the London Stadium. AnfieldIndex reports that the Hammers “appear poised to offer a fresh start” to Morton, with The West Ham Way adding that the club are “monitoring Morton closely” during the current U21 European Championship. West Ham Targeting Younger Midfield Options Interest in Morton fits into a wider strategy led by new manager Graham Potter and Head of Recruitment Kyle Macaulay. The club are looking to bring in younger players to lower the average age of the squad and build a more dynamic midfield. AnfieldIndex describes Morton as “Championship-hardened, technically sound, and comfortable in multiple midfield roles.” They called him a “low-risk, high-upside” target for West Ham, who are actively seeking reinforcements in central areas. Morton Facing Uncertain Future at Liverpool Breaking into Liverpool’s senior team appears to be an uphill battle for Morton, especially under new manager Arne Slot. He saw limited minutes last season with just five first-team appearances across all competitions. His campaign was further disrupted by a shoulder injury suffered against Southampton in December, which eventually required surgery. While he impressed in loan spells at Blackburn and Hull, AnfieldIndex suggest that a long-term future at Anfield “now seems unlikely.” The outlet also pointed to Nat Phillips’ recent permanent departure to West Brom as a possible indicator that Morton may soon head for a similar exit. Possible Role at West Ham Amid Midfield Uncertainty West Ham’s midfield situation remains unsettled, especially with Lucas Paquetá’s availability in doubt due to an FA investigation. AnfieldIndex says Morton “could offer energy, flexibility and tactical intelligence” to help steady the transition. From the Merseyside point of view, Liverpool could benefit financially from a sale while giving Morton the consistent game time he hasn’t been able to secure. According to AnfieldIndex, West Ham “could be that club” where the young midfielder finds his footing and regular minutes in the Premier League.
Karren Brady Sets Premier League Survival as Main Target
West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady has said staying in the Premier League is the club’s top goal for the 2025/26 season. Her comments, made in an official club statement, reflect a shift in tone as the club adjusts to recent struggles and instability in the dugout. ‘Stability First’ Message from the Boardroom In a statement published on West Ham’s website, Brady stressed the club’s 14th consecutive season in the top flight and pointed to it as a base to build from. “That continuity is no small feat,” she said, adding that the board is aiming for a season built on “pride, passion, and purpose.” Brady’s focus on survival, rather than European ambitions, marks a recalibration of expectations. This comes despite the club’s significant backing: West Ham are the 17th highest-earning club in Europe and owned by one of the richest groups in the Premier League. Potter Faces Tough Start After Lopetegui Exit Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui in January 2025 after a string of poor results under the Spaniard. Potter’s impact has been limited so far, with just five wins from 19 league matches, as West Ham finished 14th. It’s a sharp dip since the club’s recent high under David Moyes, who delivered the Europa Conference League title in 2023. He left the club a year later following reported clashes over transfers and backroom staff. Before Potter took the reins, West Ham spent £155 million on new signings with Europe in mind, but those ambitions quickly faded. Fans Question Ambition, Pundits Sound the Alarm Brady’s down-to-earth messaging hasn’t landed well with everyone. Hammers News suggests she now holds more sway at the club than ever and played a key role in Potter’s appointment (the two are reportedly linked through her husband). Former striker Tony Cottee sees trouble brewing if West Ham starts poorly, warning that Potter could be under pressure early. Paul Merson and talkSPORT’s Rory Jennings have also questioned the club’s direction. Jennings went so far as to predict that West Ham could be relegated next season.
West Ham Reportedly Ready to Back Potter Without Player Sales
West Ham United are prepared to spend in the transfer market without relying on outgoing sales, according to Claret & Hugh. The reported shift in policy is aimed at supporting manager Graham Potter, marking a move away from the club’s previous “sell-before-buy” approach. Budget Not Restricted by PSR, Reports Suggest While recent financial caution was thought to be linked to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, Claret & Hugh reference a report from The Athletic that challenges that idea. The article claims West Ham could spend up to £95 million without breaching PSR guidelines. Contributor Gonzo argues the real issue wasn’t regulation but hesitation within the boardroom. He suggests the reluctance to spend stemmed from cash flow concerns rather than league rules, questioning the approach considering the wealth on the board. Relegation Fears Prompt a Shift in Thinking According to the report, concerns over poor results have sparked a change in direction from West Ham’s leadership. “The club appears to have finally woken up, driven by the belief that the current squad are relegation candidates,” Gonzo claims. He adds that Potter hasn’t been given the tools to succeed, pointing out the risks of asking him to turn things around with a squad he didn’t build. Strategy Under the Spotlight The club’s approach to recruitment is also under scrutiny. One example raised is the £1 million fee paid to Chelsea for head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay, a move that, according to Gonzo, hasn’t been followed by meaningful transfer support. Even now, questions remain about timing. Despite the new willingness to invest, the report calls out the slow pace. “If the club can now afford to back Potter and fear relegation, why was there so little urgency when the window opened?” Gonzo asks. For now, the pressure is on the Hammers to act quickly and give the manager the backing he reportedly now has.
Tomas Soucek’s West Ham Exit Talk Quietens Down
Tomas Soucek’s summer move away from West Ham appears increasingly unlikely. Although he had been linked with clubs like Everton and Leeds United, no bids have been made, leaving his future uncertain. Soucek Happy at West Ham but Role in Question Soucek has made it clear he’s happy at West Ham and open to contract talks. However, with Graham Potter now in charge, his role in the squad could change. Soucek has not asked to leave, but the shift in management has led to speculation. Everton’s Interest Fades Everton, once seen as a potential destination for Soucek, have shown little interest. Despite his connection to former boss David Moyes, Everton have focused on other midfield targets instead. Moyes, who previously brought Soucek to West Ham, has not made a move for the 30-year-old this summer. No Offers Yet for Soucek As of now, no formal bids have come in for Soucek. Moyes and Everton may have shifted focus to other players, leaving Soucek’s future at West Ham in the air. He could stay, but it’s unclear if he’ll get the contract extension he’s hoping for. Potter’s Influence on Soucek’s Future Claret & Hugh report that Soucek’s potential exit became a topic of speculation after Potter’s appointment. The new manager’s direction has raised questions about the Czech midfielder’s role, which had contributed to the links with a move away. A Reliable Squad Player for West Ham While Soucek may not be a first-choice player under Potter, he remains a dependable option. He could still play a key role across a long season, especially if the club faces injuries or fatigue in a congested schedule. With no formal bids yet, Soucek’s future remains in limbo. If he stays at West Ham, he may not get the contract he hopes for but could find himself filling an important squad role.