David Sullivan
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Sat 7 June 2025 22:07, UK
West Ham United are expected to be active in this summer’s transfer window as they aim to improve on last season’s disappointing season.
The Hammers appointed Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui in January, and the team showed a slight improvement in form.
However, it’s widely agreed that Potter will need to recruit some top players to get West Ham challenging towards the top end of the Premier League again.
Graham Potter at a press conference
This is Graham Potter’s first summer transfer windows as West Ham manager (Credit: Imago)
West Ham interested in teenage midfielder Valentin Atangana
Potter is now said to be interested in bringing 19-year-old midfielder Valentin Atanagana to the London Stadium.
Atanagana had a great season for Stade de Reims this season, but couldn’t prevent his club from being relegated from Ligue 1.
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German publication Bild, via its print edition on Saturday (7 June), reports that Reims are prepared to cash in on Atanagana to the tune of around £8.4million.
West Ham, Lazio, Fiorentina and Eintracht Frankfurt are all reportedly interested in the player described as “one of greatest talents in his position in France” by the same report.
Atangana has represented France Under-21s, but is yet to be capped at senior level.
west ham
West Ham fans will be hoping for a number of exciting signings this summer
West Ham should regularly be in the race for exciting young players
The £8.4 million price tag is a relatively hefty one for a 19-year-old midfielder, especially one who hasn’t played at the highest level.
Still, the fact that West Ham are prepared to fight for these types of players is likely to excite Hammers fans. The East London club should regularly be battling with the likes of Aston Villa and Lazio for players, and occasionally winning those negotiations.
Appearances Minutes Played Goals Assists
41 3377 1 0
Valentin Atangana statistics 2024-25
Potter has a sterling reputation for signing young and unknown players from overseas and them turning out to be superstars. That was what worked so well for him at Brighton.
If Atangana arrives at the London Stadium with that price tag on his shoulders, there will be a lot of pressure on him to perform. He would be expected to march into the first team and make an instant impact on the Premier League.
But given Potter’s history of signing youngsters in the transfer market, you wouldn’t bet against the French midfielder doing exactly that.
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