West Ham breaking transfer news on Ngal'ayel Mukau
(Credit: Imago)
Declan Carr
Mon 11 August 2025 10:45, UK
West Ham want to sign Lille midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau.
Mukau is a 20-year-old defensive midfielder who broke into Les Dogues’ first team last season, making 22 appearances in Ligue 1.
Graham Potter needs reinforcements in the engine room, as several of his current options struggled to adapt to his style of play.
The youngster would add much-needed dynamism and athleticism to the Hammers’ midfield, with the first moves already being made.
Graham Potter West Ham
Potter needs fresh impetus in the midfield region. (Credit: Imago)
Lille to demand over £17.3m for West Ham target Mukau
West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs to be linked with Mukau, including Brighton, Crystal Palace and Everton.
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Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri (11 August) claims that the young maestro is on the Hammers’ “non-exhaustive” list of targets for the holding midfield position, and contact has already been made between the clubs.
He states that the French outfit would demand a fee of over £17.3million for the player, who would not close the door on the move.
Mukau would be a solid addition for West Ham
Mukau is a very promising midfielder, and would be a solid signing for the Hammers if they can pull it off.
He has emerged as one of the best Under-21 talents in his position and even has Champions League experience, with eight appearances in Europe’s elite competition.
Mukau became the youngest player to score a brace in the Champions League for Lille in November 2024
The Irons are lacking mobility and presence in the number six role, and missed out on former Fulham star Joao Palhinha, who joined Tottenham on loan.
The likes of Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez are not suited to Potter’s system and could be moved on before the transfer window slams shut.
If they can get rid of those two and bring in Mukau and another option, it could end up being a very good summer for the East London outfit.
There is a risk involved, as he has never played in English football before, but we have seen the likes of Youri Tielemans and N’Golo Kante shine in the top-flight after moving straight from their country.
If the Lille man is signed, the hope will be that he can have a similar adaptation at the London Stadium and make an impact straight away.
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