The rebuild is well underway at West Ham, and Graham Potter isn’t wasting any time.
With the Hammers coming off a frustrating campaign, major changes are already in motion. At the back, Kyle Walker-Peters has arrived on a free, bringing valuable Premier League experience, while El Hadji Malick Diouf adds versatility and grit — equally comfortable at centre-back or in midfield.
Up front, Callum Wilson is being lined up to bolster the attack, and in midfield, the club is working hard to bring in Douglas Luiz from Juventus — a move that would send a real statement.
But there’s one area still raising alarm bells: the goalkeeping position.
Lukasz Fabianski has officially left the club, and Alphonse Areola, despite flashes of brilliance, was error-prone last season. The only current alternative? Wes Foderingham, who turns 35 this season. That’s hardly a long-term solution.
Thankfully, it looks like Potter may have a new No.1 in his sights…
West Ham Keen on Cooper
According to The Sun, West Ham are targeting Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper before the window slams shut.
The Hammers are reportedly making final assessments on the 25-year-old shot-stopper, who enjoyed a standout season for the Blades — keeping 23 clean sheets in 46 games as they narrowly missed out on promotion after falling to Sunderland in the play-off final.
Signed from Plymouth in 2024 for just £2 million, Cooper’s value has skyrocketed. Sheffield United are now said to want £15 million for the former Pilgrims star.
Blades boss Ruben Selles is publicly digging his heels in. Speaking after Cooper was left out of a 2-1 pre-season win over Burton Albion, he was firm.
“He’s definitely staying, it’s not about that,” he said, per The Sun.
Strong words — but as we know, money talks, and if West Ham are serious about Cooper, the Championship side may have little choice but to listen.
A reliable, athletic, and in-form keeper entering his prime? Sounds exactly like what Potter’s project needs.
