There's no denying that West Ham United look a little light with the 2025/26 Premier League season just two weeks away, even after the defensive acquisitions of Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadj Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague.
Mohammed Kudus has not yet been replaced after completing a controversial £55m switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and Crysencio Summerville remains injured after sustaining a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the final 18 games of the term.
However, Lucas Paqueta's absolution from wrongdoing in a two-year-long spot-fixing case marks a galvanising lift and potentially the catalyst for change. A turning point.
lucas-paqueta-west-ham-premier-league
However, the Irons still need more, and no mistake. Paqueta is a high-level playmaker, but he could with a foil, someone to shoulder his burden at times.
And Potter has got the perfect young star in his sights.
West Ham lining up more attacking quality
Skipper Jarrod Bowen remains West Ham's offensive linchpin, but he needs some help in the final third after a rather uninspiring 2024/25 as a collective.
West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring their first goal
Goalscoring quality remains a pressing issue, but United averaged just 1.53 goal-creating actions per 90 last term, as per FBref, which surpassed only the three relegated sides.
As such, Potter may look to complete a move for Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, who is anticipated to leave Anfield this summer, having been limited for playing time under Arne Slot.
Football Insider report that the Hammers are ready to make their move, pushing ahead with plans to sign the £50m-rated midfielder.
Elliott, 22, has held talks with a number of suitors, and West Ham are joined by Newcastle United and Tottenham, among others, in their intrigue.
Why West Ham want Harvey Elliott
Though Elliott struggled for match action at Liverpool last season, he still managed to showcase his ability on numerous occasions, notably scoring in three successive Champions League fixtures.
Liverpool's Harvey Elliott celebrates
A diminutive and versatile midfielder, Elliott's technical ability on the ball serves as the staple of his skill set, with one-time Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley praising his ability to create "magic" through his passing.
As per FBref, the England U21 international ranked last season among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues for goal involvements, passes attempted and progressive passes, as well as the top 15% for goal-creating actions per 90.
Thus, Elliott's potential to become a special player for a team like West Ham is underscored, and he could even rekindle the finest form of Bowen, who still wrapped up the latest campaign with a respectable haul of 13 goals and ten assists in the Premier League.
Elliott came up trumps through the 2023/24 campaign, providing plenty of creative support as Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool struggled against a slew of unfortunate injuries.
Harvey Elliott - Liverpool Stats by Season (all comps)
Season
24/25
23/24
22/23
21/22
*20/21
19/20
Stats via Transfermarkt
*Elliott spent the majority of the 20/21 campaign on loan with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, clinching seven goals and 11 assists across 42 matches.
He has the tenacity and winning mentality, inculcated in him through his years on Merseyside, to combine with Bowen, who is a spirit-lifting star in his own right.
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino once said that Bowen is "direct and he’s a bit like Salah" when discussing the complete forwards' fast rise at the London Stadium, and this only strengthens the case for him being a dream partner for Elliott.
Bowen celebrates scoring with Antonio's shirt
Landing Elliott would be a statement signing, all right, and perhaps what West Ham need to hit their stride and return to the forefront next season.