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.
