_“There’s something refreshing about the way this [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfers-doing-the-maths-behind-this-possible-loan-deal/) window is shaping up, you can see a proper plan forming, and that alone brings optimism.”_
Not our words. As we said, _optimism oozes from this independent report_ in _[eplindex.com](https://eplindex.com/131609/west-ham-target-17m-midfielder-after-rivals-hijack-original-move.html)_ ( I’ve put they link in so that you can reedit for yourself: I had to, twice, just to be sure.)
The article refers to West Ham’s pivoting from initial midfield target Ardon Jashari, now sought after by Manchester City, and switching onto Ashari’s team mate Raphael Onyedika who is now said to have agreed terms whilst the intra-club negotiations continue.
Rare indeed at this stage to find reports waxing lyrical about Graham Potter after the team served up dross on the pitch for six months. But EPLIndex see something in the new partnership with Head of recruitment that perhaps those of us closer to the team do not:
_“Potter’s approach contrasts with previous Hammers transfer windows that too often skewed towards either short-term fixes or overreliance on ageing legs. This is not just about plugging gaps but reimagining the engine room of a team that has stagnated. The need for energy, dynamism and tactical balance is acute, particularly following the departures of stalwarts and the visible drop in midfield output last season.”_
The proof of Potter’s pudding will be in the eating, and one Scottish teenager signed doesn’t not make a youthful revolution. The coming weeks will see whether then cynics are right or whether indeed, EPL index’s upbeat positivity is justified.