April 13, 2026
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“It is too soon…”: West Ham handed huge injury blow ahead of FA Cup tie against Leeds

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Barnaby Lane
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West Ham's Summerville injury news
Summerville is expected to miss "some games" with a minor calf injury.

West Ham United turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend as they host Leeds United in a crucial quarter-final clash.

While the club’s primary focus remains firmly on avoiding relegation, the cup offers a rare opportunity to build momentum and confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.

For all the latest West Ham injury news and suspensions, visit our dedicated injuries and suspensions centre.

Progression would not only keep silverware hopes alive but also provide a much-needed lift during a tense campaign.

However, just days before the tie, the Hammers have been dealt a significant setback.

Summerville to Miss Leeds Game

Crysencio Summerville. (Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Crysencio Summerville. (Kate McShane/Getty Images)

Crysencio Summerville will not feature against his former club Leeds United this weekend after failing to recover in time from injury.

The winger has been sidelined for several weeks with a calf problem picked up during West Ham’s FA Cup win over Brentford. Despite ongoing assessments and hopes of a quick return, the match has come too soon for him.

Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed the situation, saying: “We are assessing day by day. He is improving, but it is too soon to tell the exact date he will return. But hopefully, he returns and gives us a hand [during the run-in].”

Blow at a Crucial Moment

Summerville’s absence is a major loss for West Ham at a pivotal point in the season.

Alongside Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes, the Dutch winger has been one of the club’s standout performers, offering pace, creativity, and a consistent attacking threat. His recent form has played a key role in keeping the Hammers within touching distance of safety.

With the team still battling near the bottom of the table, every attacking option is vital. A positive result against Leeds could provide a huge psychological boost ahead of upcoming Premier League fixtures — including a decisive clash with Wolves that could determine their survival hopes.

Missing Summerville for such an important game is a clear setback for West Ham, but there is optimism that his return is not far away.

If he can regain fitness in time for the run-in, he could yet play a decisive role in both their relegation battle and any continued FA Cup journey.

West Ham ‘open’ to selling 5-goal midfield star this summer

By
Barnaby Lane
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Matheus Cunha of Manchester United and Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United . (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United and Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United . (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

West Ham United are bracing for a busy summer, regardless of whether they manage to stay in the Premier League or not.

If the Hammers are relegated, an exodus of some of their top players could be unavoidable, with big names like Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville expected to attract interest from other clubs.

For all the latest West Ham transfer news, confirmed signings and rumours, visit our dedicated transfer centre here.

Even if they retain their top-flight status, a summer rebuild is likely on the agenda, as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to strengthen key areas and avoid another relegation scrap.

Amid all this uncertainty, one player’s future seems closer to being decided than most.

West Ham ‘Open’ to Soucek Sale

Tomas Soucek. (Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Tomas Soucek. (Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

West Ham are reportedly “open” to letting long-serving midfielder Tomas Soucek leave the club at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old joined the Hammers on loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020 before making the move permanent the following summer. Since then, he has racked up 276 appearances across all competitions, contributing 46 goals—including five this season—and 13 assists.

Soucek also played a key role in West Ham’s 2022-23 Conference League-winning campaign.

Despite not being a regular starter at the beginning of this season, Soucek has re-established himself in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, starting the last 11 Premier League matches. Nevertheless, his long-term future at the London Stadium appears uncertain.

Soucek Could Be Set for Exit

According to Football Insider, West Ham are willing to sanction Soucek’s departure even if they retain Premier League status.

The midfielder is entering the final 12 months of his contract, and the club may see the summer transfer window as their last realistic chance to cash in.

Sources suggest that Soucek is no longer viewed as the ideal long-term option in Nuno’s midfield plans, making this season likely his last in Claret and Blue.

Moyes Keen on Reunion

David Moyes. (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
David Moyes. (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Adding further intrigue, Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly keen to bring Soucek to Goodison Park this summer.

Moyes first signed the Czech international during his previous spell at West Ham, where Soucek thrived and earned four Czech Footballer of the Year awards. The pair could reunite, giving the midfielder a chance to continue his Premier League career under a familiar manager.

With the summer transfer window approaching, all signs point to Soucek’s West Ham career drawing to a close, regardless of the club’s league fate.

“I’m a fan…”: Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard tips surprise West Ham star to replace Mohamed Salah at Anfield

By
Barnaby Lane
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Steven Gerrard. (Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard. (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Liverpool have confirmed that Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season.

The Egyptian’s departure will bring to an end a remarkable nine-year spell in which he became the club’s third all-time top scorer with over 250 goals, two Premier League titles, and a Champions League triumph.

For all the latest West Ham transfer news, confirmed signings and rumours, visit our dedicated transfer centre here.

Replacing a figure of Salah’s magnitude will be no easy task, but former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has named a surprising candidate to take on the challenge.

Gerrard Names Summerville as Top Choice

Crysencio Summerville. (Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Crysencio Summerville. (Kate McShane/Getty Images)

While West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has often been linked with a potential move to Anfield, Gerrard believes another Hammers star is better suited to succeed Salah: Crysencio Summerville.

The Dutch winger has been in scintillating form this season, scoring five Premier League goals since the start of the year to help West Ham fight for survival. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and Gerrard is clearly impressed.

Gerrard Praises Summerville’s Talent

Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard highlighted Summerville’s qualities, saying: “I’m a fan of Summerville. He’s brilliant in the one-on-one. He looks hungry and has proved a bright spot in a team fighting relegation.

“He also only got better as the season progressed. I think Bowen is a great player, but I don’t think he has the level to replace Salah. A winger has to get to the top three, four in the world to succeed him with dignity. Because that is the level that Salah reached at Liverpool.”

Gerrard’s endorsement underscores the potential he sees in the 24-year-old winger to perform on the biggest stages, despite currently playing for a side struggling near the bottom of the table.

Summerville’s Form Could Spark Big Move

Crysencio Summerville, Mateus Fernandes. (Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Crysencio Summerville, Mateus Fernandes. (Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

With the FA Cup quarter-final against Leeds and the final Premier League run-in fast approaching, Summerville’s ability to maintain his high level of performance could attract significant attention from top clubs.

For all the latest West Ham injury news and suspensions, visit our dedicated injuries and suspensions centre.

If he continues his form upon returning from injury, a high-profile summer transfer to a club like Liverpool could well be on the cards. His combination of pace, skill, and composure in one-on-one situations makes him a standout candidate to step into Salah’s enormous shoes.

“I can’t wait to get started…”: Former West Ham star lands first managerial role

By
Barnaby Lane
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One of West Ham's former stars is now a manager. (Phil Cole/Getty Images)
One of West Ham's former stars is now a manager. (Phil Cole/Getty Images)

A number of former West Ham United stars have transitioned into management.

Names like Frank Lampard, Scott Parker, Harry Redknapp, and Slaven Bilić have all taken up managerial roles after player for the Hammers—some even returning to coach the club themselves.

For all the latest West Ham transfer news, confirmed signings and rumours, visit our dedicated transfer centre here.

Now, another ex-claret and blue has joined the coaching ranks, taking his first permanent head coach role.

Defoe Appointed Woking Manager

Jermaine Defoe. (Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Jermain Defoe. (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

National League side Woking have named former Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe as their new head coach.

The 43-year-old’s appointment marks his first permanent managerial role after previously serving on Rangers’ interim coaching staff in 2021 and working within the Tottenham academy system.

Woking parted ways with former Wimbledon midfielder Neal Ardley earlier this month, with Craig Ross stepping in as interim head coach.

Ross oversaw four wins, three draws, and one defeat in eight games and will remain in charge for Tuesday’s clash against Altrincham, before Defoe officially takes the reins.

Woking currently sit 11th in the National League table.

Defoe a Premier League Icon

Defoe retired from professional football in 2022 after a 23-year career that began in the Charlton and West Ham academies before taking him to Tottenham (twice), Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Toronto FC, and Rangers.

During his time at West Ham, he scored 41 goals in 105 appearances.

Across his career, he netted 305 goals in 763 senior club matches and scored 20 times in 57 appearances for England, including at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Commenting on his new role, Defoe said: “Woking is a historic club with huge potential, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting project. I can’t wait to get started.”

With this first permanent role, Defoe could be setting himself on a pathway to future managerial opportunities at higher levels—including a potential return to the London Stadium someday.

West Ham have ‘serious interest’ in signing “outstanding” former Manchester City star this summer

By
Barnaby Lane
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West Ham are keen on Aleix Garcia. (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
West Ham are keen on Aleix Garcia. (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

West Ham United were dealt a major blow in January when Lucas Paquetá departed to rejoin his boyhood club Flamengo.

Since then, the Hammers have struggled to replace his creativity in midfield, with a noticeable drop in attacking fluidity.

For all the latest West Ham transfer news, confirmed signings and rumours, visit our dedicated transfer centre here.

It’s an issue that is expected to be a top priority heading into the summer transfer window — regardless of whether the club retains its Premier League status.

Now, it appears they may already have a target in mind.

West Ham ‘Seriously Interested’ in Garcia

Aleix Garcia. (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Aleix Garcia. (Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

West Ham have reportedly registered strong interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia ahead of the summer window, according to Fussballdaten.

The Spanish playmaker arrived in Germany with a strong reputation after impressing in La Liga with Girona, where he established himself as one of the division’s standout midfielders.

Since making the switch, he has continued to develop, playing a key role in Leverkusen’s success and helping them lift the German Super Cup.

Garcia’s performances have not gone unnoticed. Former manager Xabi Alonso has previously described him as “outstanding,” praising his composure and intelligence in midfield.

The 28-year-old is also enjoying a highly productive campaign, contributing nine assists and five goals so far this season — numbers that underline his creative quality and attacking influence.

West Ham Will Face Competition

While West Ham are said to be among the most interested clubs, securing Garcia’s signature will not be straightforward.

Interest from across Europe is growing, with clubs in both England and Spain — including Atletico Madrid — monitoring his situation closely. That competition could make negotiations more complicated, particularly given his importance to Leverkusen and his consistent performances at the top level.

West Ham’s pursuit of Garcia signals a clear intent to address their creative shortcomings in midfield.

With Lucas Paquetá’s departure still being felt, bringing in a player of Garcia’s quality could be crucial to rebuilding the team’s attacking structure. However, with strong interest from elsewhere, the Hammers will need to move decisively if they are to land their man this summer.

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