West Ham are closing in on two deals that will officially bring a start to a new under Graham Potter.
It has been a frustrating January transfer window for the Hammers. It began with the departure of Julen Lopetegui and despite Potter arriving to steady the ship, a number of injuries to important players has led to an element of desperation to do business and strengthen key areas of the squad.
No business is yet to be completed, though, despite the need for a striker to be signed lasting two weeks, arguably a lot longer.
But it appears the club has finally sprung into action.
Potter’s arrival sparked hope of a more considered approach to transfers. Potter and his recruitment team become renowned for signing relatively unknown players on the cheap and then selling them for big profit a few years later.
And we seem to be a step closer to that becoming a reality, with the news of two deals expected to be concluded this week which follow that mould.
Firstly, The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg revealed on X on Wednesday that West Ham had finalised the deal to bring Kyle Macaulay to east London from Chelsea. The recruitment analyst worked with Potter at Brighton and Chelsea and is believed to be one of the manager’s crucial team members, which made him so successful at the AMEX Stadium.
Steinberg confirmed Macaulay ‘should start tomorrow’ (Thursday), just in time for him to get started on ensuring at least one striker is signed for the 3rd February transfer window deadline.
On top of Macaulay’s arrival, Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett also confirmed via X that West Ham have agreed a deal with Belgian club OH Leuven to sign Ezechiel Banzuzi.
Excl: #whufc have agreed a deal with Belgian club OH Leuven to sign midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.
The agreement is for £10m up front plus £3m in potential add-ons.
Banzuzi is due to fly to England for a medical in the next 24 hours.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) January 22, 2025
The 19-year-old is thought to be a rising star across the continent, with some even comparing his style to Paul Pogba.
The deal to bring Banzuzi to the London Stadium is believed to be worth £10m, with £3m due in performance-based add-ons.
The Dutch U21 international is due to fly to the capital for medical over the next 24 hours.
Banzuzi is still a relatively unknown player and at just £10m up front, represents a very risk-free deal for Potter and the club. However, given Potter’s reputation, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the potential Banzuzi has and the impact he can have on our midfield.
Midfield is an area that has been a constant problem this season, with only Tomas Soucek putting in consistently good performances. Guido Rodriguez and Edson Alvarez have both suffered with their form.
So the arrival of a young and powerful central midfielder is an exciting prospect for West Ham fans.
