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.