News from Spain would suggest that Barcelona are willing to hand West Ham the midfield upgrade they desperately seek after Saturday’s dreadful performance at the Stadium of Light.
All depends on the Irons belated attempt to land Potter’s number one target Mateus Fernandes.
At some stage the Hammers will either strike a deal between £30 and £40m or give up on Southampton’s stubborn stance and look further afield – which is presumably where the reports have originated today concerning Barcelona’s out of favour **Marc Casado.**
As [football-espana.net](https://www.football-espana.net/2025/08/20/barcelona-will-listen-to-offers-from-wolves-and-west-ham-for-e30m-midfielder) puts it, _“Barcelona will listed to offers from Wolves and West Ham for €30 million midfielder”:_ Cascohas been described by more than one UK news source as ‘James Ward Prowse 2.0’ which would seem to be doing the Spaniard an injustice. He has the pace and passing ability which seems to have long since vanished from ‘JWP’s repertoire. With stats revealing Casado’s twice as effective tackling, and more accurate passing metrics, at 21 years old he’d be a shrewd West Ham investment if the Fernandes deal cannot be closed.
With media sources all chasing their tails as West Ham belatedly try to re-inforce the midfield – which should surely have been the first priority this summer – it seems the Irons are belatedly getting their act together as the ‘names’ linked seem to be coalescing into a solid half a dozen. The jury is out as to whether they will prove to be ‘top picks’ or bottom of the barrel desperation buys at the end of a transfer window that has seen umpteen ‘Hammers targets’ join competitors.
Two from ‘those’ six names would be perfect- but knowing West Ham, even one signing would be something of a relief this week.