Graham Potter, West Ham.
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Sun 22 June 2025 14:30, UK
Graham Potter has turned down the opportunity to sign Daniele Rugani this summer.
As the boss looks to significantly strengthen his West Ham outfit in preparation for the new season, a swap deal was on the table involving Rugani from Juventus.
The Italian side were hoping to secure the services of Nayef Aguerd in return for Rugani, but Potter has had his head turned in a different direction.
Potter has turned down an option to sign Rugani.
Potter finds new defensive target
There is serious improvement needed at the London Stadium next season and plenty of areas on the pitch for Potter to add strength to.
With PSR restrictions breathing down the necks of Potter and David Sullivan, there is added pressure to be shrewd in any business they do ahead of the new campaign.
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Aguerd has spent the season on loan with Real Sociedad in La Liga and Juventus were hoping they could get their hands on him this summer.
This would have included a swap deal for Rugani, who spent the season on loan with Ajax, making 15 league appearances.
However, it has been reported by Capital Football (22 June) that Potter has turned this offer down, identifying a different target for his own needs.
The report states that Taylor Harwood-Bellis is one of the names on Potter’s list, after he suffered relegation to the Championship with Southampton.
Player Team Appearnces
Rugani Ajax (loan) 15
Harwood-Bellis Southampton 34
Harwood-Bellis is further up on Potter’s list.
Whether Juventus will pursue a deal for Aguerd on its own is yet to be seen, although it is stated that the Hammers won’t accept less than £20million to strike that deal.
Taylor Harwood Bellis
Potter is keen on Harwood-Bellis instead. (credit: Imago)
West Ham fans want to see backbone from Potter
Not everyone at West Ham has been convinced by Potter so far and it’s understandable, when he hasn’t had much opportunity to put his own stamp on things in East London.
However, that does mean there is plenty of pressure to get things right over the summer, which isn’t easy under PSR restrictions.
While a swap deal could have been seen as a decent way to bring a player into the London Stadium, supporters will be pleased to see Potter standing his ground and sticking to his guns on the type of player he wants through the door.
If Juventus were to push for a deal for Aguerd too, then it would still provide the opportunity to bring in some cash that can be reinvested.
Since taking over, Potter has shown that he has struggled to work with a side put together by someone else and therefore, Sullivan must support him in making the additions he is keen on this summer.
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