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The Fiver: Bojang, Barry, Gomez, Soucek & Antonio

by Staff Writer

Friday, 27th June 2025

Welcome to KUMB's latest transfer rumour round-up - five stories from around the web featuring players potentially on West Ham's shopping list, or current Hammers on the radar of other clubs...

Tomas Soucek

Burnley are the latest club to show interest in signing 30-year-old midfielder Tomas Soucek, but may struggle to afford the overall cost of the deal, sources say.

Soucek, who is entering the final year of his contract in east London and is not part of new manager Graham Potter’s long-term plans, is available for transfer this summer. Burnley have identified him as a target to strengthen their midfield, but his wages and transfer fee could be a stumbling block. A key figure at West Ham since joining from Slavia Prague in 2020, Soucek has made 245 appearances and scored 41 goals. He made 38 appearances last season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists.

Source: https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-burnley-plot-tomas-soucek-raid-as-west-ham-approve-sale/

Adama Bojang

West Ham United have entered discussions with Ligue 2's Stade Reims over a summer move for 21-year-old Gambian forward Adama Bojang, it is being claimed.

The Hammers are looking to bolster their attack amid uncertainty over Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio’s futures, and they see Bojang as a long term prospect. Club scouts are said to have been impressed by his "aerial prowess, speed, and technical ability" while the club are reportedly prepared to offer around £5 million, though Reims may seek closer to £11 million. Recruitment insiders note West Ham “admire his potential” and view him as a “long term project,” making him a strategic fit for their summer overhaul.

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35593209/brentford-west-ham-adama-bojang-transfer/

Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez, Liverpool's 28-year-old centre-back who is valued at €20 million would be open to joining West Ham if the Reds allow him to leave this summer.

According to former Irons scout Mick Brown, Gomez is keen for more regular playing time and West Ham manager Graham Potter is prepared to offer him a starting role to help strengthen the club’s defence. While West Ham are consider making an offer, they face competition from Leeds United and Everton. However, Gomez is currently happy at Liverpool and may yet stay following Jarell Quansah’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen.

Source: https://www.footballinsider247.com/joe-gomez-open-to-west-ham-move-im-told-hes-fed-up-at-liverpool/

Thierno Barry

Thierno Barry, a 22-year-old French striker valued at around €20million - although his release clause stands at €40m - is attracting strong interest from Premier League clubs after scoring 19 goals for Villarreal last season. And the Hammers, who are seeking attacking reinforcements are said to have identified Barry as a potential target, alongside rivals Everton and Crystal Palace.

Known for his pace, technique, and natural goalscoring instinct, Barry offers a promising but risky option as the Hammers aim to modernise their frontline. His La Liga performances suggest he can handle pressure, but West Ham may face a battle to secure his signature.

Source: https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/west-ham/west-ham-crystal-palace-5197514

Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio is set to be released by West Ham United when his contract expires on 30 June, potentially marking the end of a 10-year spell at the club. Despite ongoing contract talks, no agreement has been reached between the two parties.

Antonio, who is the club's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer - with 68 goals from 268 appearances - hoped to extend his stay following a his recovery from a serious car crash in Essex last December. Valued for his versatility and loyalty, Antonio has drawn interest from clubs like Everton and Gremio in recent windows. His exit would signal the end of a tenure that saw him play various roles, including right-back, right wing and centre forward.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6452818/2025/06/27/michail-antonio-west-ham-contract-future/?redirected=1

And your one for luck...

Kurt Zouma

Kurt Zouma is struggling to find a new club this summer due to his 2022 animal abuse conviction, which continues to overshadow his career, we learn. As he prepares to leave West Ham as a free agent next week, Spanish club Valencia have shown interest in signing the former French international to bolster their defence with Cristhian Mosquera set to depart.

Zouma’s Premier League experience and potential low cost make him an appealing option, but the backlash from his past where he was convicted of kicking his cats and sentenced to 180 hours of community service remains a major hurdle. Valencia fans have voiced strong opposition online, making his potential signing controversial and far from certain.

Source: https://sportwitness.co.uk/defenders-past-encouraging-negative-takes-as-he-tries-to-find-club-after-west-ham/

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