Albian Hajdari Agrees Personal Terms with West Ham
West Ham United have reached an agreement on personal terms with FC Lugano defender Albian Hajdari, as per @FT_schneidi. While the transfer isn’t sealed yet, the Hammers are edging closer to securing the 22-year-old Swiss centre-back. West Ham have yet to activate Hajdari’s €5 million release clause, though sources suggest the player is eager to make the move to east London. Bayer Leverkusen are also circling, but Hajdari appears to prefer a Premier League switch. West Ham Nearing Hajdari Transfer Completion The club is on strong footing in its pursuit of Hajdari, and internal optimism is growing. According to Hammers News, once West Ham trigger the release clause, the rest of the deal should progress smoothly. Swiss outlet Bluewin quoted Lugano sporting director Sebastian Pelzer, who acknowledged the situation, saying: “It’s no secret that Hajdari will probably be sold.” A Player Who Matches West Ham’s Transfer Strategy Albian Hajdari fits the type of profile West Ham have been leaning toward this summer: a young, developing player with resale value and versatility. At 6ft 3in, he offers physical presence, and while he’s predominantly a centre-back, he has also operated at left-back and in defensive midfield roles. One concern is his discipline, with 15 yellow cards picked up last season. As Hammers News noted, that’s something that may need to be addressed if he joins the Premier League’s physical and fast-paced environment. Squad Refresh Underway Following Kudus Sale If the deal goes through, Hajdari would become West Ham’s third signing of the summer. He’d follow El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague and Kyle Walker-Peters, who joined on a free transfer. The £54.5 million sale of Mohammed Kudus has given West Ham extra financial flexibility under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, opening the door for strategic reinforcements without overspending. Competition from Germany, but Hajdari Wants London Both Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen have shown interest in Hajdari, as reported by Fussball Transfers. However, the feeling is that the defender has his sights set on joining West Ham. Hajdari spent three years with Juventus between 2020 and 2023 but never broke into the first team. He’s been compared by some to Dean Huijsen, the former Juve youngster who moved to Real Madrid earlier this summer. The Hammers haven’t activated his buyout clause just yet, but confidence is building that a deal could be wrapped up in the coming days.
Granit Xhaka Shock Transfer Eyed by West Ham
West Ham are actively considering a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka, with a fee of around £17 million reportedly on the table. The experienced midfielder is being looked at as part of new manager Graham Potter’s plans to reshape the squad, with midfield a clear priority going into the new season. West Ham Pushing for Xhaka as Rivals Circle As originally reported by Rheinische Post (21 July, page C4), West Ham are among several clubs monitoring the 32-year-old midfielder. They’re not alone though, as Sunderland and Saudi outfit Neom SC are also believed to be in the mix. No deal has been finalised so far. Xhaka only joined Leverkusen two seasons ago but remains under contract until 2028, meaning the German side won’t let him leave without serious compensation. Sporting director Simon Rolfes has described the current talks as having a “win-win” nature, hinting the club may be open to discussions under the right circumstances. Arsenal Exit and Leverkusen Form Keep Xhaka in Demand Since making the switch from Arsenal to Leverkusen in 2023, Xhaka has become a mainstay in Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-winning lineup. Over the course of last season, he racked up 33 league appearances, netting two goals and providing seven assists. His 91% pass completion rate, according to Sofascore, underlines the calm and consistency he brings to the heart of midfield (something West Ham lacked at times last season). There’s still no clear stance from Leverkusen on whether they’d entertain letting him go, with conflicting signals out of the club. That uncertainty has only helped keep speculation alive. Potter Targeting Midfield Reinforcements Even after bringing in Guido Rodríguez and already having Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek in the squad, Potter is keen to add more depth in central areas. It’s no secret that West Ham were prone to midfield inconsistency during the last campaign, and Potter is aiming to fix that early in the window. Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf have already arrived, strengthening other areas, but midfield remains a priority with both domestic and European campaigns to tackle. Why Xhaka Ticks the Right Boxes Xhaka’s profile fits the bill perfectly for what West Ham are seeking: someone with leadership, big-game experience, and the ability to control the tempo of matches. With over a decade at the top level between the Premier League, Bundesliga, and international football with Switzerland, he would arrive with a wealth of experience Potter can lean on. The Hammers aren’t the only ones keen though, and persuading Xhaka to return to England, especially with interest from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, won’t be straightforward. But if they do manage to pull it off, this could be a real statement of intent for the new era at London Stadium.
London Stadium Goes Green as West Ham Unveil £4.35m Upgrade
The London Stadium has had a major summer revamp. And this time, it’s not about seats, screens, or turf. It’s about power. West Ham’s home has just completed a £4.35 million solar panel installation, marking the biggest renewable energy push at any UK sporting venue. The result is a greener, smarter ground that’s now leading the pack in sustainable stadium design. Solar Panel Installation Transforms London Stadium A total of 6,500 square metres of solar panels now sit across the roof of the 60,000-seater stadium. That’s the most extensive solar setup of any ground in the country, funded under the Mayor of London’s £500 million Green Finance Fund. Energy firm Ameresco led the project. Their early estimates say the panels will produce around 850,000 kWh a year, cutting roughly 200 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s the same as cancelling 100 flights from London to New York. And it’s not just an eco win. The stadium expects to save up to £350,000 a year on energy costs, meaning the investment should pay for itself sooner rather than later. Novuna London Athletics Meet Powered by Solar Energy The first big test comes this weekend during the Novuna London Athletics Meet, where all energy needs will be covered by the panels above. To mark the occasion, Team GB sprinter Daryll Neita climbed up onto the roof alongside UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner and London Stadium chief Graham Gilmore for the official switch-on. Buckner summed it up: “The London Stadium is world-class in every sense. These panels show what can be achieved when innovation and legacy come together.” After years of criticism around its post-Olympic use, the stadium is finally starting to feel like a forward-looking, purpose-built venue again. West Ham Fans to See New Stadium Upgrades Against Chelsea Supporters will get their first look at the upgraded stadium when West Ham host Chelsea on August 22. By then, all solar systems will be fully operational and in use. While it might not affect the scoreline, the switch to clean energy is another marker of change under the new leadership team both on and off the pitch. Long-Term Sustainability Plans in Motion London Stadium CEO Graham Gilmore confirmed this isn’t the end of the club’s sustainability plans. The goal is to reduce overall energy use from 12 million kWh in 2022 to just 8.5 million by 2026. “Sustainability is now front and centre for artists, athletes, and promoters alike,” Gilmore said. “We’re proud to be part of the climate solution.” And that future might not just be domestic. The UK has officially launched a bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships, which would bring elite sport back to the stadium on a global scale.
West Ham in Talks with Liverpool Over Potential Deal
West Ham have held talks all week with Liverpool over a move for Harvey Elliott, and there’s now growing belief that a deal can be achieved. Talks are set to continue over the next few days as both clubs work to find a breakthrough. That’s according to @ExWHUEmployee, who says dialogue between the two camps is active and ongoing. While nothing is final yet, the Hammers are cautiously optimistic they may be edging closer to pulling off a significant transfer. Liverpool Open to Letting Elliott Move On Liverpool are reportedly open to allowing Elliott to explore options away from Anfield. As shared by Claret & Hugh, the 22-year-old midfielder has the freedom to consider offers, with his representatives at ROOF already sounding out potential suitors. A source told the outlet, “Liverpool have said he can leave. His agents have already been talking to clubs, but there are fewer than you’d think.” ROOF Connection Could Work in West Ham’s Favour West Ham haven’t publicly commented on their pursuit of Elliott, but their interest has been confirmed through multiple channels. Elliott is also represented by ROOF, the same agency involved in the transfer of Mohammed Kudus to West Ham. That existing relationship might help smooth talks, especially from the player’s side. However, Liverpool’s demands regarding the structure and value of the deal could be a sticking point as discussions move forward. Newcastle Also Tracking Elliott Newcastle United are also believed to be monitoring Elliott’s situation. Claret & Hugh report that the Magpies have an interest, but the extent of their conversations with Liverpool or the player’s camp isn’t yet clear. One West Ham insider described Newcastle’s chances as “a bit of a long shot,” especially given the financial demands that could be involved in any agreement. Elliott Move Could Shift West Ham’s Summer Focus If West Ham push ahead for Elliott, it could influence how they approach the rest of the summer window. Claret & Hugh have suggested they may now cool interest in other midfield targets like Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes to prioritise this opportunity. With talks ongoing and progress being made beneath the surface, the next few days will be crucial as West Ham try to get a potential Elliott deal across the line.
Potter Turns Attention to Untapped Potential Already Within the West Ham Squad
Graham Potter believes there’s untapped potential waiting to be unlocked in his West Ham squad, and he’s determined to give players who struggled last season a fresh shot at redemption. Potter, preparing for his first full campaign in charge, is focused on building something sustainable. He’s backing Fullkrug and Summerville not just as part of the squad, but as key figures in his plans for the 2024/25 season. Potter Prioritises Internal Rebuild Over Transfers Since taking over midway through last season, Potter has shown no interest in quick fixes. As reported by Standard Sport, he sees value in rebuilding from within, trusting the players already at his disposal before turning to the transfer market. This summer’s pre-season hasn’t been about flogging players with drills or overload. Instead, Potter’s priority has been about reconnecting… building relationships, strengthening values, and giving players a clean slate. Fullkrug and Summerville Given Second Chance Fullkrug arrived last season with expectations, but injuries and fitness setbacks held him back. Despite the rocky start, Potter continues to back the striker, who’s now following a tailored programme to return to peak condition. Summerville, meanwhile, missed the end of last season due to a hamstring issue. He’s now in individual training but won’t travel to the U.S. for the Premier League Summer Series. Instead, Potter and the medical staff are taking a careful approach, giving him time to fully recover. Both players sit at the heart of Potter’s trust-driven strategy. He’s convinced they’ve still got plenty to offer, if they’re given time and belief. Strong Foundations in Germany West Ham’s pre-season base in Germany’s Black Forest has been deliberately low-profile. The focus is on unity, mental resetting, and clarity over what’s expected in the coming months. Only Edson Alvarez is absent, currently representing Mexico at the Gold Cup. For everyone else, it’s been about team bonding in a relaxed environment and laying down the groundwork for the long season ahead. As Jarrod Bowen put it, the mood’s shifted toward togetherness, with everyone feeling part of the process. Minimal Transfer Activity, Maximum Faith So far, West Ham’s only summer signing is El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague. But that’s no accident. Potter has made it plain that he doesn’t plan a spending spree. The goal isn’t to rip things up, but to elevate what the club already has. Youngsters like George Earthy and Freddie Potts have rejoined the senior squad after strong loan spells and are expected to be in the mix this season rather than heading out again. Long-Term Vision with Fullkrug and Summerville in Focus Potter’s vision is based on growth through stability, trust, and internal development. The board are backing that approach and Fullkrug and Summerville could be the first two examples of how that belief might pay off. For both, the message is clear: the slate’s been wiped clean, and redemption is on the table. Now it’s about grabbing that chance and showing what they can really do.
Jack Grealish Transfer to West Ham ‘Doubtful’ as Sullivan Shuts Down Rumours
A senior West Ham insider has poured cold water on talk of Jack Grealish joining the club on loan this summer, with co-owner David Sullivan personally dismissing the possibility. His comments come after earlier rumours linked the Manchester City midfielder with a potential loan move to east London. Sullivan’s Remarks Cast Doubt on Grealish Interest As seen on X via @westhamcentral, Sullivan was blunt in response to the speculation: “I doubt it, he is not the player he was two to three years ago.” According to West Ham Central, the quote comes from Claret and Hugh, attributed to their senior source, the same individual often cited by both C&H and ExWHUEmployee. Sullivan’s sharp assessment puts the brakes on recent reports suggesting that new boss Graham Potter was open to bringing in Grealish if financial conditions could be met. Some whispers pointed to Grealish possibly being on board with the move too, drawn by the chance for more minutes on the pitch. But Sullivan’s words suggest the club’s hierarchy isn’t seriously considering a move, at least not in its current shape. Graham Potter’s Reported Admiration for Grealish Despite Sullivan’s stance, outlets like TheWestHamWay have mentioned that Potter is a long-time admirer of Grealish’s on-ball creativity and drive. That made the idea of a loan deal a topic of interest early in the summer, especially if West Ham could negotiate wages or a favourable structure with City. Grealish was reportedly not against a temporary switch if it meant regular football, but his salary at the Etihad remains a major stumbling block. Grealish’s Mixed Form Since City Switch After joining Manchester City for a record £100 million from Aston Villa in 2021, Grealish has lifted major trophies but hasn’t consistently delivered on the expectations tied to that price tag. His output has dipped compared to his peak days at Villa, where he racked up 6 goals and 12 assists in a single Premier League season. Limited starts and tactical rigidity under Pep Guardiola have made it tough for the midfielder to find his stride. West Ham Still Chasing Attacking Talent While Grealish now looks an unlikely arrival, West Ham are continuing their search for attacking reinforcements. The club is rebuilding following the £55 million sale of Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham, and the need for final third creativity remains front and centre in the club’s plans. There had been some excitement online at the thought of Grealish lining up with Jarrod Bowen, a pairing that could have offered flair and balance going forward. But for now, that ambition appears firmly on ice. Wages Make Move Unfeasible Truthfully, Grealish’s wages have made this deal feel far-fetched from the start. City would need to subsidise a large portion of his salary, and West Ham simply aren’t built to carry a wage of that size without major offloading or financial juggling. Now, with David Sullivan speaking out publicly, any suggestion of a loan move for Grealish seems to have been shut down at the top level. As it stands, fans hoping to see him in claret and blue will likely have to move on. In other West Ham transfer news, Kyle-Walker Peters is set to join the hammers with his medical booked in for today.
Kyle Walker-Peters Agrees West Ham Transfer as Fabrizio Romano Confirms
Kyle Walker-Peters has agreed to join West Ham United on a three-year deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. The full-back will sign with the Hammers until June 2028, marking a swift turn of events after a proposed move to Besiktas collapsed. Romano Says “Here We Go” on Walker-Peters to West Ham Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano broke the news on X on July 18, confirming that Walker-Peters had accepted West Ham’s offer and reached full agreement on a deal running through to the summer of 2028. The Italian journalist added his signature “here we go” line, sealing the move as all but done with only formal steps left to complete. Walker-Peters Medical Expected Today Talks moved quickly, with trusted source ExWHUEmployee confirming the deal and hinting at West Ham’s sharp response after Besiktas failed to finalise their own agreement for the Southampton defender. Now, according to @RyanTaylorSport, Walker-Peters is expected to undergo the first part of his West Ham medical today before putting pen to paper at the London Stadium. It’s a refreshing change to see West Ham move this swiftly, especially when hammers fans are used to watching transfer sagas drag on for weeks with nothing to show for it. Graham Potter Secures Second Summer Signing Walker-Peters becomes Graham Potter’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague. The 27-year-old brings top-flight experience and versatility, having made nearly 200 appearances for Southampton after coming through the ranks at Tottenham. Known for his ability to play on either side of the defence, Walker-Peters notched six goals and 12 assists during his time at St Mary’s in all competitions. A Clear Sign of Change in West Ham’s Transfer Approach According to Max Wilkins of WestHamZone, this move underlines a shift in the club’s recruitment philosophy. Instead of gambling on unproven talent, the Hammers now seem focused on landing players with Premier League experience and reliable track records. Walker-Peters offers a steady and adaptable presence in defence that should give Potter flexibility as he prepares for his first season in charge. With the deal all but sealed, West Ham’s summer window is well underway and already shaping up with intent.
James McAtee yet to decide as West Ham remain in the mix
West Ham United are keeping a close eye on Manchester City’s James McAtee as they continue efforts to strengthen their midfield options. The 21-year-old is yet to make a definitive call on his future, and while he’s recently visited Eintracht Frankfurt for talks, no agreement has been reached. Nottingham Forest are also pushing hard for a deal, but West Ham remain in contention for one of their top targets. According to Sky Sports News, McAtee is assessing his options with both Premier League and Bundesliga offers on the table. West Ham are understood to see him as a strong fit for Graham Potter’s vision, especially with midfield reinforcements a clear priority this summer. West Ham stay alert as Elliott talks grow complicated While McAtee remains firmly on the Hammers’ radar, the club have also added Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott to their list of targets. However, that move is now far from straightforward. As reported by Mail Sport, Elliott is valued at £40 million if a buy-back clause is included or £50 million without one, and Tottenham have entered the race, potentially hijacking West Ham’s interest. Spurs are believed to be holding active discussions with Liverpool, which has cooled West Ham’s early confidence about getting a deal over the line. Liverpool duo under watch: Elliott and Morton admired Harvey Elliott isn’t the only Liverpool player West Ham are looking at. The club are understood to also admire Tyler Morton, who has caught attention after a solid season and recent performances with England U21s. Morton has also drawn interest from Ajax, but West Ham see him as a legitimate option if other moves stall. Recruitment lead Kyle Macaulay, who arrived from Chelsea, is backing a reshaped midfield to match Graham Potter’s style. His shortlist features players with technical quality, energy, and room to grow in value. West Ham midfield shortlist evolves Midfielders ‘reportedly’ under strong consideration include: Diouf signing kicks off West Ham’s summer activity West Ham have already completed their first major move, announcing the £19 million signing of Senegalese wingback El Hadji Malick Diouf, with a further £4 million in potential add-ons. The club remain focused on locking down key midfield additions over the coming weeks. Whether that ends up being McAtee, Elliott, or another emerging target, the mission is clear: freshen up the midfield core to suit Potter’s system for the season ahead.
West Ham Transfer Move for Koni De Winter Gains Momentum
West Ham United are reportedly making a move to sign Genoa defender Koni De Winter this summer, with the Serie A club valuing the 22-year-old at around €25 million. The Belgium international is reportedly highly appreciated by new boss Graham Potter, who sees him as a strong fit for the defensive rebuild he has planned. There could be a boost for West Ham in the talks too, with Genoa showing interest in winger Maxwel Cornet. A potential player-plus-cash deal might end up pushing negotiations along sooner rather than later. Graham Potter Targets De Winter to Bolster Backline De Winter, who joined Genoa on a permanent deal from Juventus after a loan spell, has impressed since settling into Serie A. Known for his composure and intelligence at the back, he’s already attracting serious attention in this window. Gazzetta dello Sport say Graham Potter is an admirer of De Winter’s game and sees the young defender as someone who could suit the tactical system he plans to install at West Ham. While no formal bid has gone in yet, the signs point toward active efforts from the Hammers to bring him in. Cornet Interest Could Smooth the Deal The emerging interest from Genoa in Maxwel Cornet adds an interesting wrinkle to this potential transfer. Cornet has struggled to get meaningful minutes in claret and blue and may be open to a fresh start in Italy. Whether he’s included as part of the De Winter deal or in a separate arrangement, it could give West Ham extra flexibility in getting the move over the line. With both clubs showing interest in each other’s players, a solution that suits everyone might not be far off. Antonio Nusa Still on Radar In addition to De Winter, West Ham remain active in other areas of the pitch, with Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa still on their radar. According to Claret and Hugh, the Hammers are working hard to try and land the teenage winger before the window closes. Nusa has gathered attention from several top European sides, including Tottenham, but West Ham are said to be pushing to strike a deal before time runs out. Potter’s West Ham Rebuild Taking Shape With the club chasing both Koni De Winter and Antonio Nusa, it’s clear Graham Potter is wasting no time in shaping West Ham to his vision. Defensive additions are a major part of that, and De Winter’s profile suits the type of calm, tactical defender Potter seems to prefer. Cornet’s possible inclusion in talks gives the Hammers another angle to explore, but either way, all signs point to a busy few days ahead as the club look to get deals done before the window slams shut.
Jack Grealish Transfer Interest Grows as West Ham Join Loan Pursuit
West Ham are the latest club to show interest in Jack Grealish, with journalist Dean Jones reporting the Hammers have made early informal contact with Manchester City over a potential loan move for the England international. Grealish’s future at City looks uncertain after a tough season under Pep Guardiola, with several Premier League clubs now monitoring his situation. According to Yahoo Sports, West Ham have joined Tottenham and Everton in exploring a possible deal. West Ham Exploring Grealish Loan Transfer This Summer Dean Jones, writing for Flashscore, revealed that West Ham are “seriously exploring” the idea of bringing in Grealish on loan. While talks remain in the early stages and no official bid has been made, the Premier League side are taking their interest seriously. Manchester City aren’t pushing to sell Grealish, and a loan is seen as the most realistic option for both the player and the club this window. A one-season deal would give Grealish the chance to reset and prove himself again before next summer. Uncertainty Surrounds Grealish’s Manchester City Future Last season was a tough one for the 28-year-old, whose game time at City was limited due to injuries and the emergence of other attacking options like Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and even Omar Marmoush. Grealish often found himself further down the pecking order. Though clubs from overseas, namely AC Milan and Napoli, have shown interest, sources close to the player suggest he still wants to stay in the Premier League. That gives West Ham, Tottenham, and Everton a real chance to move in. Grealish Could Benefit from London Switch A move to West Ham could benefit both player and club. The Hammers would land a high-profile, proven Premier League talent without taking on the financial commitment of a permanent deal, while Grealish would get the opportunity to play a more central role and revive his form. The idea of living and playing in London may also appeal to Grealish, who has previously been drawn to the capital. Tottenham are reportedly pushing as well under new boss Thomas Frank, while Everton remain in the mix as they prepare to move into their new stadium on Merseyside. Manchester City’s Transfer Plans Key to Grealish Exit Whether Grealish moves or stays may hinge on what Manchester City do in the transfer market. If Guardiola adds more attacking options this summer, Grealish may view a temporary exit as his best chance to play regular football. Former City man Stuart Pearce recently spoke about a move abroad offering Grealish something new… but for now, staying in England looks more likely. West Ham’s emerging interest could be the start of a major story as the summer window heats up.