West Ham United head into the new season with a renewed sense of optimism.
After finishing 14th in the Premier League last season with just 43 points, the club has made it clear that progress is needed.
Graham Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui in January, has brought fresh ideas.
West Ham United manager Graham Potter
The former Chelsea boss signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and immediately faced the challenge of steadying a side that had been struggling under his predecessor.
Despite inheriting a squad lacking in depth in crucial areas, Potter has tried to lay the foundations for a more resilient West Ham side. The Hammers have already moved to secure several key additions.
Lucas Paqueta, cleared of betting allegations, will be keen to repay the club’s support with strong performances this season. The club has also added the likes of El Hadji Diouf, Mads Hermansen, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Callum Wilson.
Mohamed Kudus, a key figure in West Ham’s previous campaigns, has departed to Spurs for £55 million, creating both a gap in midfield quality and an opportunity for fresh talent to step in.
Despite these changes, one of the club’s ambitions this summer remains shoring up their midfield in a way that can transform their competitiveness in the Premier League.
West Ham have reportedly set their sights on a player widely regarded as potentially their best midfielder since Declan Rice.
West Ham eyeing move for Premier League midfielder
Yves Bissouma is a 28-year-old central midfielder currently on the books at Tottenham Hotspur who is attracting West Ham's gaze, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
The report claims that the Hammers are one of the clubs in the race to potentially land the midfield maestro, alongside Premier League rivals Everton.
Having joined Spurs from Brighton in 2022 for £25m, this "absolute monster" has demonstrated his quality over 100 appearances, scoring six goals and contributing three assists.
Yet, despite these solid contributions, he has found himself on the fringes of the Spurs first team, mirroring the situation faced by other high-profile players in need of a fresh start.
yves-bissouma-spurs
Football Insider recently reported that Spurs would only allow Bissouma to leave if a replacement could be found, and it now appears increasingly likely that the player will depart this summer.
Palhinha has joined on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich, while the club eyes Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher as a potential replacement. Gallagher’s reported £40m price tag has not deterred Spurs, though Madrid remain reluctant to sell.
The timing could be perfect for both player and club. With his contract expiring in 2026, Spurs may view a summer sale as their last opportunity to recoup investment on a player who has yet to consistently feature in Thomas Frank’s plans.
For West Ham, landing a midfielder of Bissouma’s calibre would represent a statement of intent, addressing a key area of the pitch that has long required reinforcement.
The Declan Rice benchmark
West Ham fans will naturally draw comparisons to Declan Rice, who left the club for Arsenal in a £100m deal.
Rice, a product of the West Ham academy, played 245 times for the Hammers, scoring 15 goals and assisting 13, per Transfermarkt.
Declan Rice Stats - West Ham 2022/23
Matches Played
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Shot Creating Actions per 90
Tackles
Source: FBref
He flourished under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, proving his value not only defensively but as a driver of forward momentum.
In terms of statistics, Rice excelled in progressive carries per 90 (94th percentile, 2.66), shot-creating actions (81st percentile, 3.25), and touches in the attacking penalty area (90th percentile, 2.68), per FBref.
While Bissouma does not directly replicate Rice’s profile, he offers similar defensive reliability and the ability to influence the tempo of matches.
Rice’s departure left a void that West Ham have struggled to fill adequately, and Bissouma represents a realistic and attainable option to fill it.
His presence could elevate the team both defensively and in possession, giving Potter the balance required to implement a more consistent game plan.
According to FBref, he ranks in the 83rd percentile for pass completion (88.6%), 91st percentile for tackles (3.09 per 90 minutes), 83rd percentile for interceptions (1.39), and 92nd percentile for clearances (2.65).
His style has been likened to the likes of Boubacar Kamara at Aston Villa, blending defensive solidity with the capacity to drive the ball forward and influence transitions.
West Ham already have several players in the central midfield area, including Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, and Tomas Soucek.
The addition of Bissouma would give Potter a more dynamic and versatile selection, with a player capable of shielding the defence, winning duels, and contributing to attacks.
With West Ham intent on competing not only for league stability but also for European football, adding a midfielder of Bissouma’s calibre could be transformative.
As West Ham prepare for the new season, they face an opening fixture at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Yet, with the summer window moving quickly and Bissouma reportedly nearing the exit from Spurs, Potter could soon have an ideal addition to his midfield.
The club’s summer strategy, combining new signings with the potential acquisition of a proven Premier League talent, suggests an ambition to climb the table and challenge for European spots.