June 18, 2025
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West Ham to activate release clause of perfect Max Kilman and JC Todibo partner – report

By
Jamie Freeman
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West Ham target Kevin Lomonaco

One of the biggest priorities for Graham Potter this summer is to strengthen his West Ham defence. 

The club’s record at the back has been nothing short of atrocious over the past two seasons – David Moyes oversaw the club’s worst ever defensive record in the Premier League era with 74 goals conceded, before Julen Lopetegui and Potter shipped 62 goals between them in 24/25.

For context, in the club’s previous 27 seasons in the top-flight, they averaged 54.9 goals conceded per season.

So there is a lot of work to be done this summer to ensure there isn’t a repeat at London Stadium in 25/26, not least because of the defensive exits set to happen in east London.

Aaron Cresswell, Vladimir Coufal and Kurt Zouma have all been released this summer, while it’s expected that Nayef Aguerd will be sold after a successful loan spell with Real Sociedad last term while Emerson Palmieri is reportedly attracting interest from Lazio.

If Emerson and Aguerd are allowed to leave, that would mean Potter has only Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Ollie Scarles available as first-team defenders.

Just enough for a five at the back formation, but no room for a single injury for an entire season.

So it’s vitally important Potter and his recruitment team bring in serious defensive reinforcements this summer.

West Ham want Kevin Lomonaco

According to Minuto Uno, West Ham are lining up a move for Red Bull Bragantino centre-back, Kevin Lomonaco.

The 23-year-old has impressed while on loan at Independiente, earning a first call up to the Argentina national squad for the first time.

It’s claimed the youngster has a £14.8million release clause in his contract, which sounds like a snip for what could soon be a full Argentina international.

There are other clubs believed to be interested in his signature, including Real Betis, but you would like to think the pull of playing in the Premier League and living in London might give West Ham the edge.

Labelled as the ‘best centre-back in South America,’ Lomonaco certainly seems like the real deal and could be the perfect partner for Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo as part of Potter’s preferred back-three.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Arwq4o2byo&ab_channel=SudamericaComps

The defender is arguably at this best when in possession of the ball, with one of this best traits being his ability to dribble out of defence and into midfield, beating players with his pace and strength before offloading to his midfield teammates or playing through balls in behind the opposition defence.

Those attributes make him the ideal centre-back to have in a back three partnership, while it also suggests he could act as cover in midfield should there be any need for it.

For Independiente, Lomonaco bursting into midfield or going on mazy runs has become a regular sight, while he is also a very solid defender who reads the game well and is strong aerially.

If West Ham can win the race for the Argentine and secure him for such a small fee, they might just have the perfect partner for Kilman and Todibo next season.

Striker West Ham wanted 10 years ago on Graham Potter’s radar as Michail Antonio nears exit

By
Jamie Freeman
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West Ham striker Michail Antonio

West Ham are heading into yet another transfer window in desperate need of a striker. 

The club has consistently tried and failed to sign an effective striker who can not only score goals but also stay fit and suit the manager’s system.

The likes of Sebastien Haller, Javier Hernandez, Gianluca Scamacca, Lucas Perez, Albian Ajeti and Simone Zaza have come and gone over the last decade, while many before them and the move to London Stadium came and went without much of an impact.

West Ham’s comical struggles to source a goalscorer has led to wingers being converted into strikers, with Marko Arnautovic, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen all doing far better jobs up front than those who are paid to play that role.

With Graham Potter now in charge, there is hope he and his recruitment team can finally put an end to this desperate striker search and identify a forward who can help support the likes of Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Mohammed Kudus in attack.

Niclas Fullkrug is arguably the closest West Ham have gotten to signing a quality No.9 in recent years, with his performances towards the end of last season going a long way in improving the team’s overall form. But injuries throughout the season limited him to just 20 appearances and three goals in all competitions.

So West Ham are back in the market for another trustworthy striker this summer, and it appears a very familiar name has found its way onto Potter’s radar.

Michail Antonio could spark like-for-like transfer

West Ham confirmed earlier this week that Michail Antonio was to be included on the club’s Retained List as a free transfer but that he was being treated differently to the other players set to leave at the end of this month.

Due to his car accident in December last year, Antonio is still fighting his way back to full fitness and has reportedly been offered a fresh deal at the club while the club continues to help him return to the top level of the game.

Michail Antonio scores v Ipswich

But reports claim he and his agent are unimpressed by the terms offered and believe they might be better off moving on from the club after a nine year spell, in which the Jamaica international has scored 83 goals and provided 44 assists in 323 appearances, becoming the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer in the process.

A deal may still be struck but in reality, regardless of where Antonio’s future lies, Potter cannot afford to go into next season having to rely upon the 35-year-old’s form and fitness.

That has led to reports that West Ham are keen on signing a striker who is very much of the same mould as Antonio this summer, and he’s name many West Ham fans will be familiar with.

West Ham to return for striker 10 years after original interest

Breel Embolo

The striker in question is none other than Switzerland international Breel Embolo.

The 28-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Monaco and it’s claimed the French giants are keen to cash in on the striker before losing him for nothing next summer.

Monaco have reportedly placed a £12m price-tag on Embolo, which certainly represents a value for money deal for a striker who has consistently scored goals at the highest level of the game, for club and country.

Embolo has scored in the Champions League, Europa League, Ligue 1, Bundesliga and the Swiss Super League, as well as netting 16 times for Switzerland.

West Ham were first interested in signing the striker way back in 2015 when he was only 18-years-old and emerging as one of Europe’s brightest young strikers at FC Basel. The forward would obviously elude the Hammers, going on to appear for the likes of Schalke 04, Borussia Monchengladbach and Monaco ever since.

That hasn’t stopped West Ham regularly being linked with a move for Embolo, though, with links to him in 2021, 2022 and in January earlier this year proving fruitless, too.

It’s claimed West Ham will face competition from the likes of Besiktas and clubs in Germany for Embolo’s signature.

The striker is well known for his pace, power and finishing qualities, all of which are attributes many for associate with Antonio, which might suggest Potter and his staff are eyeing something of a like-for-like alternative should Antonio leave London Stadium this summer.

West Ham duo in the crosshairs of Premier League rivals as Potter eyes rebuild

By
Jamie Freeman
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West Ham players celebrate

West Ham could have a battle on their hands to keep hold of some of the club’s best players this summer.

After a disappointing season, Graham Potter has a major squad rebuild on his hands if he is to be successful in returning the Hammers to where David Moyes had led them just a couple of years ago.

He has already sanctioned the exits of Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings following the expiration of their contracts, while Carlos Soler and Evan Ferguson have been sent back to their parent clubs after underwhelming loan spells.

But there is expected to be other first-team players heading for the London Stadium exit door as the club seeks to balance the books and satisfy PSR regulations after a £150m transfer splurge last summer didn’t deliver a good enough ROI.

We already know that Mohammed Kudus is one of the most wanted players in east London right now, with Chelsea already having a player-plus-cash deal rejected by the Hammers. Meanwhile, depending on the outcome of his spot-fixing trial, Lucas Paqueta could also be on his way out of the club.

Then there’s the future of Tomas Soucek, who is reportedly wanted by Leeds United and available for around £20m, which remains in question.

So it’s likely there will be a huge squad churn at London Stadium this summer.

Jarrod Bowen exit not ruled out, but “hard to do”

Jarrod Bowen scores against Man United

One player who we know is definitely not for sale is club captain Jarrod Bowen.

The forward was once again West Ham’s best player this season after registering 24 goal contributions in 36 first-team appearances.

His importance to West Ham is already priceless, while the five years remaining on his contract means any club would have to pay a premium to prise him away from east London.

But there is, of course, interest in his services, according to Daily Telegraph Northern Football Writer, Luke Edwards.

Edwards admitted on X that the Magpies have been interested in Bowen since at least last summer but went on to explain that he would be “very, very expensive.” He also mentions that Bowen is settled with family in Essex, having recently married Dani Dyer.

Edwards’ comments won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone and he was certainly absolutely correct in his assessment of Bowen’s availability. He would no doubt cost any serious bidder well over £100m to convince West Ham into selling, and then they would have the very difficult task of convincing Bowen to leave the capital and uproot his settled family elsewhere.

That’s why it’s a “hard to do.”

Edwards did also name Kudus as a player Newcastle should be targeting this summer. While the Ghana international has an £85m release clause to Premier League clubs, it’s unlikely it would take that fee for West Ham to agree to a sale, especially if reports that the 24-year-old wants to leave are true.

Given Newcastle’s newly found financial power, despite PSR regulations somewhat hampering their determination to spend, it would not be a surprise if they tried to sign at least one of Kudus or Bowen this summer.

West Ham reject Mohammed Kudus approach in deal that could benefit Graham Potter – opinion

By
Jamie Freeman
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0
West Ham reject Mohammed Kudus bid

West Ham are expecting to cash in on Mohammed Kudus this summer.

The Ghana international has been the subject of increased interest ever since he joined the club from Ajax two years ago, mostly due to his impressive maiden season in England where he scored 14 goals and assisted a further six in 45 appearances.

Despite his second season, in which he managed just five goals and four assists, being a disappointment, interest in his services remains strong, as per ongoing reports in the early stages of the current transfer window.

Kudus reportedly has a tiered release clause in his contract, which stands at £125m for Saudi clubs and £85m for those in the Premier League. It’s claimed, though, that Kudus would reject any move to Saudi Arabia as he wants to remain in Europe.

Chelsea pushing for Kudus transfer

According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are the first to test West Ham’s resolve over Kudus.

It’s claimed they’ve been unsuccessful in a player plus cash bid for the 24-year-old, with West Ham seemingly unimpressed by the players on offer as part of the proposal.

Those players are said to be goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

It’s not yet clear whether Graham Potter and his recruitment team have turned down the offer based on the fact they simply don’t want those two specific players, or whether it’s simply a case of the deal not making sense financially at this stage.

Either way, it’s clear West Ham are edging closer to cashing in on Kudus now that the bidding for his signature has begun.

West Ham could benefit from Chelsea’s Kudus offer

On the face of it and without knowing the financial side of Chelsea’s players plus cash proposal to take Kudus from east to west London, this does appear to be a deal West Ham could benefit from.

Lukasz Fabianski’s exit this summer means Potter is in need of a new goalkeeper this summer, either as a first choice or a fresh back up to Alphonse Areola.

Reports this week claim talks are underway over a potential £20m move for Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale but there are also question marks over his ability to compete at the top level now that he has three relegations on his CV following the Saints’ swift return to the Championship.

Sanchez, meanwhile, represents an interesting proposition.

The Spaniard kept 10 Premier League clean sheets for the Blues this season and has 40 to his name in 135 top-flight appearances. He is known to be a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, which is the profile Potter is seeking this summer.

Robert Sanchez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Elsewhere, West Ham’s midfield was exposed on several occasions throughout the season due to a lack of pace and stability, which is something a midfielder like Dewsbury-Hall could bring.

The former Leicester academy graduate has struggled for game time since making the switch to Stamford Bridge last summer and it appears Enzo Maresca is willing to let him leave the club.

Dewsbury-Hall, 26, is a left-footed central midfielder who can play defensively and as a No.10. Given the lack of legs and creativity in midfield this season, he’s a player Potter could find useful next season as he looks to overhaul his squad.

Graham Potter is ‘big admirer’ of goalkeeper with 41 PL clean sheets, West Ham open talks

By
Jamie Freeman
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0
Graham Potter

West Ham are expected to be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer after Lukasz Fabianski left the club.

The Pole had been a key figure at the club since signing from Swansea City in 2018, going on to keep 50 clean sheets in 216 first-team appearances.

But over the last two seasons, Alphonse Areola has mostly been preferred to Fabianski, under each of David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui and now Graham Potter.

However, Areola has struggled to be a convincing long-term option between the sticks for the Hammers, having kept just eight clean sheets in 64 Premier League appearances since signing from PSG in 2021.

Potter likes to have a goalkeeper who is also good with his feet, which is an attribute Areola consistently failed to show since the former Chelsea bosses’ arrival.

Graham Potter is ‘big admirer’ of Ramsdale

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale

According to talkSPORT, Potter is a big admirer of Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The England international joined the Saints from Arsenal last summer but was unable to prevent them from being relegated straight back to the Championship, conceding 66 goals and keeping only three clean sheets in 30 Premier League appearances.

The 27-year-old is now expected to make a swift exit from St. Mary’s Stadium as new boss Will Still seeks to get his £100k-a-week wages off the books.

The report claims Southampton would be willing to entertain bids in the region of £20m for the former Arsenal and Bournemouth shot-stopper.

West Ham hold talks over Ramsdale transfer

talkSPORT’s report claims West Ham and Ramsdale have been in discussions over a potential summer switch back to the capital.

Ramsdale, who has kept 41 clean sheets in 183 career Premier League appearances, is eager to make a swift return to the Premier League this summer in order to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans.

For him to do that, though, it’s likely he would be looking for assurances that he will be Potter’s first choice goalkeeper next season.

That could cause issues for Areola, who will undoubtedly be unwilling to move back to being West Ham’s back-up goalkeeper having spent two seasons in that role before eventually ousting Fabianski at London Stadium.

Alphonse Areola

That means Potter might need to recruit at least two goalkeepers this season if he is seriously considering replacing Areola as his first choice. Wes Foderingham remains at the club as third choice, but it’s unclear whether he is considered to be up to the standards Potter is looking for as a back up goalkeeper.

At £20m, Ramsdale represents a fairly good deal financially but there remains question marks over his ability to perform at the highest level.

Indeed, he was replaced by David Raya at Arsenal after just two seasons at the Emirates Stadium, while he also has three Premier League relegations on his CV having previously gone down with Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

That has undoubtedly raised concerns about his ability to play for a club with ambitions of competing for European qualification, such as West Ham.

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