Graham Potter and Stan Collymore
(Credit: Imago)
Henry Green
Fri 8 August 2025 20:10, UK
West Ham have been continuing their preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Graham Potter’s side most recently beat Bournemouth 2-1 in the Premier League Summer Series in the United States and are set to take on Lille on Saturday (9 August), in their final preseason friendly.
While on the pitch, things have gone well for the Hammers; off the pitch, there have been plenty of recurring issues that they need to sort out.
Jacob Ramsey
West Ham have been linked with a move for Jacob Ramsey (Credit: Imago)
Villa offer Ramsey a new contract amid West Ham interest
West Ham have shown interest in Aston Villa’s Ramsey this summer.
The Irons have been keen to bolster their attack, and Ramsey appeared alongside the likes of Harvey Elliott and Jack Grealish in their shortlist of targets.
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However, Potter’s side could have to look elsewhere, with Ramsey now offered a new contract by Aston Villa, as reported by John Townley via X on Friday (8 August).
9 February 2021: Ramsey signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract at Villa
26 April 2022: Ramsey signed a contract extension with the Villans
Much like West Ham, Villa have faced problems with Profit and Sustainability rules, which have halted the Irons’ plans.
Unai Emery has been keen to keep his better players, with replacing them not a possibility this summer, which has been damaging for the Hammers.
Graham Potter sitting
Potter’s side have looked good during preseason (Credit: Imago)
Stan Collymore predicts 16th-place finish for West Ham
West Ham have enjoyed a decent start to preseason, but worries still loom over their lack of squad depth and their poor 2024/25 campaign.
Date Opponent Result
19 July Grasshopper 3-1 Win
27 July Manchester United 2-1 Loss
30 July Everton 2-1 Win
3 August Bournemouth 2-0 Win
West Ham’s preseason record
Despite their fine form, Hammers supporters have shown plenty of concern about how their 2025/26 campaign may go, having lost Mohammed Kudus already this summer.
However, they will still surely be fuming with Collymore following his latest round of Premier League predictions on his X account (8 August).
The former Liverpool striker predicts how the Premier League table might look come the end of the season each year, and given last campaign’s exploits, he has predicted the Hammers to finish 16th.
My 18th season on here and 18th season of my Premier League Predictions for the season ahead.
Terms and conditions apply, your team may finish higher or lower than illustrated…😏 pic.twitter.com/evFdJCi4FZ
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) August 8, 2025
View Tweet
John Victor ‘chose to continue’ at Botafogo
Potter’s search for a new goalkeeper seemingly reached its conclusion when John Victor‘s move from Botafogo began to gain pace.
Victor wasn’t the Hammers’ only option in goal, with Mads Hermansen also set to sign.
It had been reported that the Irons elected to cancel the deal for Victor, though the Brazilian has now claimed it was his choice to turn down a move to East London.
He wrote in a post made to Instagram (8 August): “Yes, I got an offer to leave the club and pursue other dreams in my career. I thought with my family, and I needed a few days to talk to you all.
“I’m a human being, and it’s normal to be thoughtful in these moments, but we choose to continue with Botafogo. I never said I wanted to leave the club.
“It is a special club in my life, for which I am very grateful for all it has provided for me and my family. It’s a great pleasure to wear this shirt!
“Botafogo is my home, my choice and the right decision for new dreams and achievements that we can still fight together.”
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