Graham Potter is aware of midfield frailties at West Ham.Graham Potter is aware of midfield frailties at West Ham.
Graham Potter is aware of midfield frailties at West Ham. | AFP via Getty Images
Graham Potter is aware that a midfield overhaul is needed at West Ham this summer.
West Ham manager Graham Potter apologised for the pace of progress at the club since his arrival following the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Monday night.
That was a fixture that lacked bite and quality under the lights at the London Stadium. In the aftermath, The Athletic has underlined that adding impetus into midfield will be a transfer priority for Potter this summer.
The Hammers boss said: “I apologise if things aren't happening quicker than we want them to be, but I think when you see the players give everything, that [commitment] is there.
“James Ward-Prowse I thought was fantastic, covering such an amount of ground, you know Tomáš and Edson are working hard and Ollie Scarles was [out] on his feet at the end there. Players are giving everything so I think that's a real strong start point, a strong foundation. We have to have that and then obviously we always want to look to improve.
“Today's a bit of a sore one because we wanted to get something from the game but yeah that's life sometimes.”
Graham Potter wants West Ham midfield restructure
The Athletic claim that West Ham won’t look to make the loan of Paris Saint-German man Carlos Soler permanent come the end of the campaign. The Spanish international came on for 25 minutes against the Magpies but failed to inspire much as he looked to pick up the ball in front of defence.
Edson Alvarez, who arrived at West Ham for £35 million in 2023, also failed to inspire at the heart of midfield while the ever-reliable Tomas Soucek missed a golden opportunity just minutes into the game. Potter is thought to be aware of the lack of quality in midfield and that - alongside a talisman - will be the centre of focus come the summer.
There are also questions over how long Lucas Paqueta will be available for West Ham. The FA are seeking a lifetime ban for the playmaker due to betting charges, which the midfielder denies. LondonWorld has asked AI programme ChatGPT to look into how the manager may find those solutions.
To make space for arrivals, West Ham will have to clear players out. ChatGPT believes that it is still ‘possible’ that Soler signs permanently for West Ham but note that the player’s wages were always likely to present a problem, even before his underwhelming form.
Meanwhile, the AI adds that Alvarez’s future at the club is ‘uncertain’ under Potter. AS Monaco are touted as a potential destination for the Mexico international. It’s added that a decision not to sign Soler permanently could be the trigger needed for James Ward-Prowse to stay at West Ham next season as he finds importance again under Potter.
As to why West Ham should sell Alvarez, ChatGPT said: “Under Graham Potter, West Ham may look for a midfielder with more technical ability to fit into a possession-based system. While Álvarez is solid defensively, he might not be the most suited to a team that prioritizes possession and fluid passing in midfield. If the club wants to move toward more control in the middle of the park, selling Álvarez could help fund a more technical replacement.
“West Ham might want to refresh their midfield with more dynamic or creative players to improve attacking output, and Álvarez's style of play may not be fully aligned with those goals.”
AI outlines two perfect Hammers transfer targets
England international Angel Gomes has emerged as a prime target for West Ham this summer and ChatGPT believe that the club is ‘actively pursuing’ the player but face competition from Tottenham Hotspur. It adds that the midfielder would be a ‘strong fit’ for the Hammers thanks to his tactical flexibility, technical ability, work rate and adaptability.
The programme states: “In summary, Angel Gomes would likely be a good fit for Potter's West Ham system, especially with his creative flair and tactical versatility. His style of play aligns with the demands of Potter's approach, and he could add an exciting dimension to West Ham's attacking play.”
The AI is aware that West Ham are ‘actively seeking’ to strengthen in midfield. Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is recommended as another target, with the Hammers having been linked with the player in January. The programme believes £30 million would be enough to sign the former Leicester City man.
ChatGPT states: “Dewsbury-Hall is known for his energy and work rate, which aligns well with Potter’s pressing and high-intensity style. He covers a lot of ground, both defensively and offensively, which would be important in Potter's system, where midfielders are expected to contribute on both ends of the pitch.
“Overall, Dewsbury-Hall’s work rate, technical ability, versatility, and Premier League experience would make him a good fit for Graham Potter’s midfield at West Ham. He could add balance, energy, and creativity to the squad, enhancing both defensive stability and attacking fluidity.”
In other news, this is how the West Ham players rated against Newcastle United on Monday night, including a 9/10 despite the 1-0 defeat.