Excitement over a third active West Ham transfer bid in as many days has lasted just hours as Sunderland pounce to scupper Graham Potter’s plans.
Sunderland are becoming a serious problem for West Ham United.
Hammers fans were already concerned about their prospects next season following 18 months of rapid and alarming regression.
Fears were heightened when it was settled that Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland would be joining them in the Premier League next season.
The fact all three clubs are doing some serious and early business in the transfer window is all the more worrying for West Ham.
It is Sunderland’s signings that have impressed most of the promoted clubs so far, though.
West Ham’s third move in as many days sparks excitement
That is particularly problematic for West Ham given Graham Potter cannot make any signings until players are sold.
Especially in light of Paul Merson’s prediction that Sunderland and co are ‘licking their lips’ at staying up ahead of the Hammers.
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The Hammers have won just 15 of their last 57 Premier League games under David Moyes, Julen Lopetegui and Potter dating back to January 2024.
Merson’s scepticism about West Ham is valid as they won just five of Potter’s 19 games in the second half of last season, finishing 14th.
A major rebuild is needed in east London but no new arrivals are on the horizon while rivals like the Black Cats put them to shame.
A new month brought new hope for the Hammers, though, as West Ham’s window burst into life with talks launched for two stars.
El Hadji Malick Diouf celebrates after England v Senegal - International Friendly
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But just as fans were given some hope, things have taken a worrying turn.
Because now a West Ham move for a warrior defender has lasted just hours as Sunderland pounce yet again.
Sunderland may have lost a key player in Jobe Bellingham. But they wasted little time putting the cash to good use, beating West Ham to reported Potter target Habib Diarra.
The Hammers want to sign a striker too and reportedly had plans in place since March to try and sign Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze.
Enter Sunderland.
Sunderland becoming a real problem for West Ham
Regis Le Bris has launched a move to beat the Hammers to Georgian Mikautadze, despite the forward reportedly making it clear he’d love to play with Jarrod Bowen.
However, what has happened in the last 24 hours beggars belief – even in the weird and wonderful world of West Ham.
WestHam placed Djordje Petrovic on their goalkeeper shortlist following the departure of Lukasz Fabianski.
A move for the big Serbian stopper excited Hammers fans, who feel the club needs a new number one to replace error-prone Alphonse Areola.
Le Bris has ruffled feathers at the London Stadium once more, though, with reports Sunderland are closing in on the permanent signing of Petrovic too.
England v Germany - UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final
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Now, in yet another damning indictment of West Ham’s seeming inability to compete in this summer’s window, Sunderland look set to embarrass the east Londoners again.
There was serious excitement in West Ham circles this morning when news of a move for a top young star emerged.
Off the back of reported bids for 20-year-old duo El Hadji Malick Diouf – a pacy Senegalese left-back – and Nelson Weiper – a Germany Under 21 striker who starred at the recent Euros – West Ham launched a move for England Under 21s star Charlie Cresswell.
The former Leeds player is at Toulouse and The West Ham Way claimed there was a ‘real possibility’ the Hammers could move for Cresswell.
Move for warrior lasts just hours as Black Cats cross West Ham’s path again
West Ham fans have been lapping up footage of Cresswell’s bravery and aerial prowess on social media.
There is even one video showing Cresswell training by continuously heading a boxing speed ball.
But when making enquiries about the reported move for Cresswell, Hammers News was told West Ham are already resigned to missing out on Cresswell to – you guessed it – Sunderland.
The Mackems have been interested in the player for several months.
And a top transfer source has told Hammers News that West Ham simply don’t have the £18-20m to match the fee Sunderland are willing to pay.
“Sunderland’s finances have been boosted by the huge cash influx from promotion and selling Bellingham,” the leading agent transfer source told Hammers News.
“The difference with them and Leeds to previous seasons is they have the stature and cash to really go for it. Sunderland are serious about doing well next season not just merely surviving.
“West Ham just don’t have any wiggle room to get involved in big money deals right now.”
Should Nayef Aguerd or other West Ham players suddenly be offloaded in the coming days things might change.
But Sunderland are reportedly now ‘making moves’ to close out a deal for Cresswell as soon as possible.