West Ham Monitoring Bilal El Khannouss as talkSPORT Highlights £22.5m Release Clause
West Ham United are targeting Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, with talkSPORT reporting that the 20-year-old has a £22.5 million release clause triggered by the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship. El Khannouss, a Moroccan international, is seen as a serious option as the Hammers look to strengthen their midfield under Graham Potter. The existence of a relegation clause in his contract makes him a far more attainable target this summer, and sources suggest West Ham are now actively monitoring his situation. West Ham Make Enquiries Over Leicester Midfielder Bilal El Khannouss According to OneFootball, the Hammers have already made enquiries about El Khannouss following Leicester’s drop into the second tier. The creative midfielder only joined earlier this year, but the relegation has now opened the door for rival clubs to swoop in. Late-season performances highlighted his promise, and West Ham see him as someone who could bring technical flair and control in central areas, qualities the squad has lacked in recent windows. With the release clause removing the need for tough negotiations, El Khannouss fits the profile of a smart, value-driven signing. West Ham Continue Midfield Overhaul With Multiple Targets While El Khannouss remains firmly on the radar, West Ham are casting a wide net in their search for midfield reinforcements. James McAtee of Manchester City is another name reportedly being considered. Sky Sports reports the 21-year-old is still undecided on his future, though Eintracht Frankfurt and Nottingham Forest are also in the mix. West Ham haven’t made anything official just yet, but talks remain ongoing as they continue assessing key positions. Hammers Leave Door Slightly Open for Elliott Pursuit There’s also continued chatter around Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, though recent signs suggest that deal may be a longer shot. A club spokesperson told Hammers News: “It’s a tough market this summer, but with Elliott there is a chance. It is only a small chance, but never say never.” That short comment may not confirm anything concrete, but it shows the club is keeping several doors open going into a pivotal window. El Khannouss Deal Could Mark Key Step Under Potter El Khannouss’s age, international pedigree, and style of play tick a lot of boxes for West Ham, especially under a manager like Potter who values intelligent, technical players in midfield roles. With a clear path to signing the youngster thanks to the £22.5m clause, West Ham have a golden opportunity to land a long-term asset without overpaying. No official bid has been made yet, but with the price and circumstances aligned, this feels like a deal West Ham may look to press on with sooner rather than later.
Tim Steidten Swipes at Moyes Over West Ham Transfer Control
Tim Steidten has taken a swipe at former West Ham manager David Moyes, claiming only truly “exceptional coaches” should have full control over transfers. In a revealing interview with Transfermarkt, the club’s former technical director suggested Moyes wielded too much influence over squad building during his time in charge, and argued that proper structure (not total managerial control) is essential for clubs without endless financial resources. West Ham Transfers and Moyes’ Role Under the Spotlight Steidten didn’t name Moyes directly, but the implication was clear. Reflecting on his short but eventful tenure at the club, he said: “Only exceptional coaches like Klopp, Guardiola or Arteta can be trusted with that level of autonomy. They work at clubs that have the money and infrastructure to support it.” The comment seems aimed at the model Moyes operated under at West Ham, where the manager reportedly had the final say on most incoming transfers. Steidten emphasised that for clubs like West Ham, which rely heavily on coordination between scouting, development, and budget constraints, transfer power should never sit entirely with one person. “I’m a big fan of clear hierarchical structures with a managing director, sporting director, and coach,” he said. “The club must dictate the structure and style of play.” Steidten’s Stressful Transfer Window at West Ham Having joined West Ham in the summer of 2023 as technical director, Steidten oversaw one of the busiest windows in the club’s recent history. He described it as the “most stressful” period of his career, handling 12 transfers in just four weeks—sometimes even on match days. “Sometimes there was even a match on deadline day,” he told Transfermarkt. “I wouldn’t wish that day on anyone.” His comments paint a picture of a frenzied structure lacking long-term planning or consistent coordination, something he feels could have been avoided with a stronger club-led model. German Stability vs English Chaos in Transfers Steidten also drew a clear contrast between working in German and English football. In Germany, he said, planning was more stable: “You could prepare and plan for issues much better because you were allowed to work within a certain budget,” he said. In England, emotions and shifting circumstances too often dictated decisions. He noted that ownership models in England often complicate things. “Owners have invested a lot of money in their club,” he said. “They decide how much they want to spend and with whom they want to share this power.” That uncertainty, when paired with giving managers unchecked say over transfers, leads to inconsistency and pressure. Related Article: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen Final Deals and a Quiet Exit Steidten stayed in his role until February 2024, helping to bring in key players like Mohammed Kudus, Edson Álvarez, James Ward-Prowse, and Konstantinos Mavropanos. His final move was Carlos Soler’s loan switch from PSG. While he never openly criticised Moyes by name, his message was unmistakable: clubs like West Ham should be guided by long-term planning, hierarchy, and a shared football identity—not left at the mercy of one man’s vision. As the club enters a new era, Steidten’s words may just shape how the next chapter is written. In other West Ham news, a Tomas Soucek transfer may be on the cards as Everton are considering a £12m bid for the midfielder.
West Ham Target Jacob Ramsey as Nottingham Forest Lead Transfer Chase
West Ham United remain keen on Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with Nottingham Forest making the 24-year-old their top transfer target this summer, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath. Despite Forest pushing hard for a deal, the Hammers are still tracking the situation and considering a move as part of their summer business. Ramsey, valued at around £30 million, could be on the move as Villa look to stay within Profit and Sustainability Rules. While Forest are currently in pole position, West Ham are firmly in the mix. Nottingham Forest Make Jacob Ramsey Priority Signing Per McGrath, Forest have identified Ramsey as their main focus for this transfer window. Talks are ongoing, and they are looking to strike a deal ahead of any rivals. Everton have also shown interest, but it’s West Ham who continue to keep a close watch in case Villa open the door to negotiations. Ramsey is a product of Villa’s academy, which means any transfer would be logged as pure profit. Financially, a sale makes sense for Unai Emery’s side as they balance spending and squad depth heading into another European campaign. West Ham Transfer Plans Include Midfield Reinforcements With funds available this summer, West Ham are looking at several positions, including midfield, as Graham Potter shapes his squad. The club received a significant boost from Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million recent sale to Tottenham, though about £17 million of that has now been spent on El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague. That still leaves room to go after targets like Ramsey, who fits the bill as both a long-term asset and a potential short-term contributor. He’s seen as someone who can step in if Lucas Paqueta leaves, with Flamengo maintaining interest and the FA investigation into the Brazilian ongoing. Villa Open to Ramsey Sale as FFP Considerations Bite Although Aston Villa aren’t actively pushing Ramsey out, they are open to offers if the right bid comes along. A figure of around £30 million could be enough to persuade them to cash in, especially given the homegrown midfielder’s appeal on the balance sheet. Versatile across midfield and capable of playing as a No.10 or wide forward, Ramsey offers plenty to any side aiming to boost attacking options. His profile makes him an attractive target not just for Forest, but also for a reshaping West Ham squad. Ramsey Still on West Ham’s Radar Despite Forest Lead Ramsey remains a player West Ham admire. At 24, with Premier League experience and a strong pedigree from England’s youth setup, he fits the profile of what Potter wants to bring into the club. While Forest have made the first move, the Hammers’ longstanding interest means this transfer race isn’t over yet. If Villa are truly open to selling, West Ham may yet look to make their move. In other West Ham transfer news, the hammers are thought to be stepping up in their pursuit for Liverpool’s Tyler Morton.
West Ham’s Potts and Earthy Set to Stay as Potter Plans Integration
West Ham United are unlikely to entertain loan offers for academy products Freddie Potts and George Earthy this summer, with new manager Graham Potter eager to involve both midfielders in his plans for the 2024/25 season. According to the Evening Standard, Potter views the duo as part of a long-term vision that puts greater focus on developing and utilising homegrown talent at the London Stadium. After standout spells last season, the pair had been expected to go back out on loan for further experience, but the new approach signals a shift in direction under Potter. Potter’s West Ham Midfield Vision Includes Potts and Earthy Freddie Potts impressed during his time with Portsmouth, with several strong performances in midfield that caught the eye across League One. George Earthy, a standout within West Ham’s ranks at Rush Green, has steadily built a reputation as one of the club’s top prospects. This pre season was a chance for him to prove himself, however having recently suffered an injury in pre-season training, he might have to wait a bit longer to make his mark. Rather than allowing both players to leave again for more game time, Potter is set on bringing them into his first-team setup, with the Evening Standard noting that he wants their involvement from pre-season onwards. It shows the former Chelsea and Brighton manager is keen to nurture the club’s own talents instead of constantly looking elsewhere. Related Article: West Ham Academy Loanees Shine in Season-End Success Earning Accolades and Promotions Interest in Tyler Morton Adds a Twist Despite that intent, fresh reports have linked West Ham with a move for Liverpool’s Tyler Morton. The 22-year-old has had two solid loan spells at Blackburn and Hull, and could arrive as a more ready-made midfield option if the Hammers push through with a deal. That link has sparked questions over how minutes in the middle of the park will be shared. While Morton’s arrival wouldn’t necessarily shut the door on Potts and Earthy, it would raise the level of competition for places. Academy Opportunity Still Alive Amid Incoming Competition Even with Morton in the picture, there’s still every chance Potts and Earthy get their shot. The Evening Standard’s story underlines that Potter is planning to give both players their opportunity before deciding anything about potential loans. Their pre-season performances are likely to be key. The message from the new boss seems clear: the pathway remains open for academy talents, and he’s keen to see what Potts and Earthy can bring to the table before making any big calls. Homegrown Hope as Season Approaches For West Ham fans, it’s a welcome shift towards backing the academy. Calls for greater belief in young players have been growing louder, and with Potter’s track record for developing youth, this looks like the clearest sign yet that things are changing. Potts and Earthy won’t be sent out the door just yet. Instead, they’ll get their chance to impress at the highest level—a move the fanbase will be watching closely as a possible turning point in how the club values its own. In other news, Niclas Fullkrug has seemingly impressed Graham Potter during West Ham’s pre-season and fans are very excited for what the German number 9 can offer next season.
Tomas Soucek Transfer on the Cards as Everton Prepare £12m Bid for West Ham Midfielder
Tomas Soucek could be heading for a West Ham exit this summer, with Everton lining up a £12 million offer that would see the midfielder reunite with former Hammers boss David Moyes. According to TEAMtalk, Moyes is keen to bring the Czech international to Goodison Park as part of a much-needed midfield overhaul. This potential move comes as Moyes looks to inject both goals and grit into an Everton side in transition, with plans well underway to reshape the squad ahead of their long-awaited move to Bramley-Moore Dock. Moyes Wants Tomas Soucek Back in His Premier League Plans It’s reported that Moyes has already made direct contact regarding Soucek’s availability, and Everton are understood to be preparing a formal bid in the region of £12 million. That figure matches West Ham’s valuation, though no agreement between the clubs has been reached just yet. Soucek was one of Moyes’ most trusted lieutenants during their time together at West Ham, and the 61-year-old manager sees him as the kind of high-energy, box-to-box presence that Everton currently lack. Although West Ham aren’t actively pushing Soucek out the door, they’re unlikely to stand in his way if a deal suits all parties from a financial point of view. Soucek’s Position at West Ham Looks Uncertain Now 30, Soucek has been with the Irons since arriving from Slavia Prague in 2019 and has made 245 appearances, scoring 41 goals and supplying 13 assists. His engine, aerial presence, and tactical discipline have kept him central to West Ham’s midfield for several seasons. He’s still under contract for another two years, but with Vladimir Coufal recently leaving the club and long-time manager Moyes now at Everton, the pieces may be falling into place for Soucek to consider a change of scenery. TEAMtalk claim that if Soucek does leave the London Stadium, Everton is the only destination he’s currently open to. Moyes Planning Midfield Refresh at Everton With Abdoulaye Doucouré now a free agent, Everton’s midfield rebuild has become an urgent priority. Moyes is reportedly open to adding experienced players if they fit his system, even while trying to lower the average age of the squad overall. Soucek fits the mould of midfielders Moyes has relied on in the past: powerful, hardworking, and a threat in both boxes. From Marouane Fellaini to Tim Cahill, Moyes has always valued physicality and late runs into the penalty area—traits Soucek brings in spades. West Ham Hold Strong Hand, but Transfer Could Progress Fast Despite Everton’s interest, West Ham do remain in a strong bargaining position. With time still on Soucek’s contract and no desperation to sell, the Hammers aren’t likely to rush into anything. However, TEAMtalk note that Everton are also pursuing targets like West Brom’s Tom Fellows and a new left-back. If Moyes decides to step things up for Soucek, West Ham fans could see another departure from the manager’s old guard before the window’s out. Considering he is actively taking a leadership role within the squad and is generally loved by the fans, a Soucek exit could spark more outrage amongst fans.
West Ham Transfer Push for Liverpool’s Tyler Morton Gains Momentum
West Ham United are stepping up their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton, with talks progressing over a potential £16 million deal. According to Claret & Hugh, the Hammers are looking to move quickly, as Liverpool aim to raise funds to help finance a move for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. Morton, who impressed during his England U21 appearances, is seen as a strong fit for Potters midfield revamp. At 21, he brings technical control and deep-lying playmaking ability… qualities Potter is thought to value highly. With Liverpool ready to sell, West Ham are pushing to get the deal done before rival interest develops further. Morton Talks Advance as Hammers Prioritise Midfield Reinforcements The 21-year-old is reportedly available for around £15–16 million, and multiple outlets including Yahoo Sports say that West Ham have moved swiftly ahead of the pack. Morton struggled with injuries last season but is still highly rated at Anfield. Liverpool are now open to a sale as they shift focus to their own recruitment drive. For West Ham, this is a chance to secure a long-term midfield solution at a reasonable fee. With a summer rebuild underway and several first-team exits expected, Morton stands out as one of Potter’s preferred options to reshape the center of the park. Elliott Interest Ongoing but Player Yet to Be Convinced While Morton appears gettable, West Ham’s pursuit of Harvey Elliott looks far trickier. The Hammers are understood to be hopeful of negotiating Liverpool’s £40 million asking price down, but the real challenge lies in convincing Elliott to make the switch to East London. The 22-year-old is believed to prefer joining a club competing in Europe, something West Ham currently can’t offer. That puts Potter and the recruitment team in a tricky spot as they continue talks behind the scenes. Despite the hurdles, Elliott remains of interest as part of the wider rebuild, and West Ham are expected to continue monitoring the situation in case circumstances change. Potter Eyes Youthful Core in Rebuild Strategy Both Morton and Elliott appeared at this summer’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship and are part of a list of young English talents West Ham hope to build around. Yahoo Sports reports that talks will intensify in the coming days, with the club planning significant changes in midfield. Depending on additional outgoings—including the possible sale of Nayef Aguerd—West Ham could have flexibility to invest in multiple targets. The clear message from the Irons is that homegrown quality and technical security are at the heart of Potter’s vision for the 2024/25 campaign.
Tomas Soucek outlines leadership focus during West Ham pre-season
Tomas Soucek has shared his perspective on taking up more responsibility within the West Ham United squad, highlighting his efforts to support academy players and maintain high standards during pre-season in Germany. The midfielder is one of the most senior figures in Graham Potter’s side as the Irons prepare for the 2025/26 campaign. Soucek helping West Ham academy players settle in In an interview with whufc.com, Soucek spoke openly about his growing leadership role within the team. The 30-year-old has captained West Ham on several occasions and is the current captain of the Czech Republic national team. “Being a leader is something that just comes naturally to me,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who has the armband. We need more captains in the team and more leadership.” He also spoke about his desire to bring confidence to those around him. “One of my biggest strengths is helping the players around me feel confident and perform better,” he added. A total of 12 academy prospects have joined the claret and blue’s pre-season camp in Donaueschingen. Soucek named Ollie Scarles, Freddie Potts, Airidas Golambeckis, and Emeka Adiele as some of the young players he’s taken under his wing. For several of these players, the current pre-season offers a crucial window to impress, with Crysencio Summerville also making headlines after returning from injury ahead of schedule. Early influences shaped Soucek’s leadership style Soucek reflected on his time at SK Slavia Prague, where he learned from senior teammates who helped him develop on and off the pitch. He mentioned Milan Skoda, Jiri Bilek, and Radek Cerny as examples of leaders who supported him. “When you’re a senior player and you see young players, there are only two ways you can go about it,” he said. “You can either be negative, or you can be positive and give them confidence.” He explained that those experiences now shape how he treats younger teammates, aiming to create a supportive environment for them to grow. Soucek’s connection to Slavia Prague has remained relevant this summer, with the club previously voicing frustration over West Ham’s pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf before a deal was eventually struck. Senior midfielder setting the tone in Germany After a short summer break with his wife and three children in Havlickuv Brod, Soucek returned to training early to prepare for the new season. He said he feels strong physically and mentally and is focused on setting the right example during camp. “I’ve always tried to set an example since I arrived here,” he said. “I want to make the players more determined, more of a team, and be one group all together.” The Irons are currently based in Donaueschingen as part of their pre-season programme, which will continue with matches and further training ahead of the club’s upcoming Summer Series fixtures in the United States. Elsewhere in camp, striker Niclas Fullkrug has also drawn attention for his early efforts, with Graham Potter reportedly impressed by his sharpness and fitness, as covered in this update. Pre-season a key opportunity for young players Soucek noted that long periods away from home can be difficult for younger players but urged them to take advantage of the opportunity. “This is the biggest chance for them in their careers so far,” he said. “If they work hard, they really have a chance to be with us and to be a footballer with West Ham United.” He added that the group has made a good start and believes that with more time together, the younger players will continue to grow and contribute to the team’s development.
Crysencio Summerville Injury Hampers West Ham Ahead of Premier League Start
West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville is set to miss the beginning of the 2025/26 Premier League season, dealing an early blow to Graham Potter’s plans. The 22-year-old is still sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered back in January and is unlikely to be match-ready by the time the new campaign kicks off, as reported by WestHamZone. Summerville has only made one appearance under Potter since the manager took charge, and concerns are growing over how quickly the Dutchman can reach full fitness. West Ham Taking Cautious Approach With Summerville Recovery The Hammers are giving Summerville’s recovery process careful attention following his surgery earlier this year. He’s joined the squad for their training camp in Germany but isn’t yet involved in full team sessions. Instead, he’s working on a tailored recovery plan to build strength back gradually. He’s confirmed to miss the upcoming pre-season fixtures during West Ham’s United States tour as part of the Premier League Summer Series. Club staff are hoping he’ll be further along when the team returns to east London, although no firm date has been set for his comeback. Transfer Pressure Grows After Kudus Departure Summerville’s setback comes at a tough time, especially with Mohammed Kudus now a Tottenham player. Kudus was expected to be a key part of West Ham’s attack, and the plan had been for Summerville to help bridge the gap following his exit. Last season, Summerville featured 22 times for West Ham, registering one goal and two assists. That return didn’t come close to his standout 2023/24 season at Leeds United, where he bagged 19 goals in the Championship. If that goal-scoring form doesn’t return soon, questions could start to surface about whether he was truly the right fit for the club. Potter Left With Tough Decisions to Make The new season is already posing its first big test for Graham Potter. With Summerville unavailable and few established attacking options in the squad, the manager may need to dip into the transfer market or take a risk on some of the club’s younger talents earlier than planned. While there’s still time to find solutions, getting Summerville back to fitness without rushing the process has become a top priority. A premature return could lead to more serious issues down the line, something West Ham are keen to avoid.
George Earthy Injury Highlights Midfield Issues for West Ham
George Earthy has recently suffered an ankle ligament injury, and it has deepened West Ham’s midfield headache at a crucial point in pre-season. The 19-year-old picked up the knock during the club’s warm-up camp and now faces a race against time to be fit for the new Premier League season under Graham Potter. With the campaign opener just weeks away, the timing could hardly be worse. Earthy’s setback not only affects his own prospects but also shines a light on the growing concern over midfield depth, a key area that remains unaddressed in the current transfer window. Earthy Injury Could Force Potters Hand in Transfer Market For Potter, Earthy’s injury has come at an awkward moment. The new boss is still shaping his squad with no midfield reinforcements added so far, and the young academy graduate was expected to be a part of that mix after impressing during his loan spell last season. As reported by ExWHUEmployee via The West Ham Way, Earthy suffered the injury during training and has damaged ankle ligaments. The extent of the problem remains unclear, and it hasn’t yet been confirmed if he’ll return to London early for scans. With Freddie Potts also aiming to step up, the club had seen Earthy as a strong internal option to bolster the middle of the park. But his absence, however long-term or short-term it turns out to be, may force West Ham to prioritise midfield signings over the coming weeks. Latest Setback May Be Linked to Past Injury There is some concern this could be a recurrence of a previous issue. According to ClaretandHugh.info, Earthy had a similar ankle problem back in September 2023 while on loan in the Championship, which kept him out for several weeks. Given his progress over the last 12 months and the optimism around his role under Potter, this latest setback is a blow. Earthy had been tipped to thrive under the new boss, with pre-season seen as his chance to make a serious case for regular minutes. That opportunity has now been stalled, at least for the short term. No Return Date Yet for Earthy as Concerns Grow At this stage, there’s been no official update from the club about Earthy’s recovery timeline. Early suggestions hint the issue might not be serious, but with only a few weeks remaining before the season gets going, West Ham are expected to be cautious. Whether the injury keeps him out for days or longer, it adds more urgency to West Ham’s need for midfield cover. If no immediate signings arrive, Potter may be forced to consider re-shuffling options or dipping further into the academy. What’s clear is that West Ham can’t afford to head into the season light in midfield. Earthy’s injury might just be the prompt that pushes the club into action.
El Hadji Malick Diouf Joins West Ham from Slavia Prague in £19m Deal
West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Senegal international El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague. The 20-year-old joins on a long-term contract following a standout season in the Czech First League. Diouf becomes the club’s third signing of the summer, after Jean-Clair Todibo and Daniel Cummings, as West Ham continue reshaping the squad under Graham Potter. Diouf Handed No 12 Shirt Ahead of Pre-Season Camp As confirmed by whufc.com, Diouf will wear the No 12 shirt and is expected to meet up with the team at their training camp in Germany later this week. The deal, worth around £19 million, follows the departures of Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal. Diouf brings further cover on the left flank, with the ability to play at both left-back and left wing-back. Graham Potter Welcomes Key Addition Manager Graham Potter spoke about the club’s latest arrival, describing Diouf as someone they had monitored closely. “He is young, hungry and ambitious, and I think he will be a very positive addition to the group,” Potter told the club website. The move continues West Ham’s focus on bringing in energetic, versatile players ahead of the new campaign. Diouf Explains Why He Chose West Ham Speaking after the move was completed, Diouf said he had offers from multiple clubs but chose the Hammers after discussions with the head coach. “There were a lot of teams [who wanted to sign me], but I chose West Ham United first and I spoke with the coach [Graham Potter] and it was a good plan for me,” he told whufc.com. “I want to say to the West Ham supporters I’m very happy to be here with them. I think we’ll make a very good season this year.” He added, “Everyone wants to come here to play in the Premier League. I think it is a dream for everyone.” When Could Diouf Make His West Ham Debut? Diouf is expected to be involved in pre-season fixtures, with the potential to feature as early as 19 July when the Irons take on Grasshoppers. The claret and blue will then head to the United States for the Premier League’s Summer Series, where they’ll face AFC Bournemouth, Everton and Manchester United. West Ham open their 2025/26 Premier League campaign away at Sunderland on 16 August. Not long now till fans get a proper look.