Graham Potter, Baris Alper Yilmaz
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Sat 2 August 2025 16:16, UK
West Ham United seemingly want to provide Graham Potter with extra firepower in the final third ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Callum Wilson appears to be on the verge of signing for the Hammers on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Newcastle.
Alongside the ex-Newcastle United striker, Potter looks to be interested in bolstering his options out wide, with Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz linked with a move to E20.
Yilmaz, 25, would be an excellent signing on paper for West Ham, but not everyone appears to be convinced by the move.
Callum Wilson
Wilson is on the verge of joining West Ham after being released by Newcastle (Credit: Imago)
Yilmaz told to sign for Tottenham instead of West Ham by Okan Buruk
As well as the forward line, Potter’s side look as though they intend to strengthen in between the sticks, with John Victor from Botafogo being a name mentioned.
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However, whilst a move for the shot stopper appears to have grown legs, Yilmaz has seemingly been advised not to join the East London outfit by Galatasaray’s manager Okan Buruk.
Yilmaz has had an exceptional few seasons in the Turkish league:
Goalscoring threat – the winger has scored 18 league goals in his last two seasons combined.
Creative spark – the 25-year-old has also supplied nine assists across the last two league campaigns.
According to Turkish journalist Ali Naci Kucuk (30 July), as per Haber Sari Kirmizi, Buruk is believed to have advised his player to stay at the Turkish giants for one more season before pursuing a move to the Premier League.
It is claimed that Buruk has specifically advised his player that “instead of going to West Ham”, he should join a higher-calibre team such as Liverpool or Tottenham.
West Ham supporters will be hoping that Yilmaz does not take any notice of this potential advice and instead ends up in a claret and blue shirt next season.
Graham Potter sitting
Yilmaz would be an exciting addition to Potter’s squad (Credit: Imago)
West Ham will be hoping to replicate the success of Kudus deal with Yilmaz
Although his name may not be a popular one to hear right now for West Ham fans, the success of Mohammed Kudus may be something Yilmaz can replicate at the London Stadium before being sold on for a handsome profit.
Whilst it is painful to admit, West Ham‘s current position means that selling their best players is likely, especially if one of the Premier League’s ‘top six’ come knocking.
If West Ham can secure a deal for Yilmaz before the likes of Spurs or Liverpool, and the Turkish winger thrives in East London, his value would ultimately skyrocket.
Eventually, West Ham could build themselves up into a position where they could keep the gems they sign, but this process would not be an easy one.
Replicating deals like the Kudus one is not easy, but it will help West Ham be able to have more resources to build a competitive squad in the future.
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