West Ham United have started making transfer plans early as the club bids to bounce back from a poor 2024/25 showing.
The Hammers have been credited with interest in Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz and Club Brugge duo Joel Ordonez and Ardon Jashari.
It appears West Ham are plotting a raid on Club Brugge because, according to The Athletic, the Irons are also eyeing a deal for their holding midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
West Ham are among several clubs targeting Onyedika this summer. The Nigerian international, under contract until the summer of 2027, has been a standout performer in Belgium this season.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Onyedika will give West Ham steel in the middle of the park and help screen the backline. He is one of the club’s top transfer targets and rightly so.
West Ham’s midfield is in disarray. The club lacks a truly top-class central midfielder, and Tomas Soucek is still the most reliable option, even though he is far from a complete solution.
Guido Rodriguez arrived from Real Betis last summer but has had little influence. Meanwhile, Edson Alvarez has endured a nightmare 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
His performances have been riddled with poor decision-making and reckless fouls, contributing heavily to the team’s struggles.
Alvarez’s future at West Ham looks increasingly uncertain. Onyedika would replace him seamlessly, with the Hammers likely to cash in on the Mexican.
Onyedika is a fantastic ball winner. His manager, Nicky Hayes, praised him as someone who makes other players better.
Three Onyedika Alternatives West Ham Should Consider – View
With several clubs circling for Onyedika, West Ham must have other players on their transfer radar in case they miss out.
The Irons should consider a swoop for Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. The Frenchman is a physically imposing operator who only needs the right environment to ascend to the next level.
Also, if Arsenal pass up on the chance to extend Thomas Partey’s contract, the Hammers should be all over a deal to sign the Ghanaian on a free transfer.
Partey is a composed and authoritative midfield commander with massive experience.
West Ham could also consider a move for Yves Bissouma, who has not covered himself in glory at Tottenham Hotspur.
However, he had his best spell under Graham Potter at Brighton & Hove Albion, and the English tactician may want to reunite with his former trusted general in East London.
(Stats from Transfermarkt)