Emerson Palmieri, Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Pranav Shahaney
Wed 20 August 2025 20:49, UK
West Ham defender Emerson Palmieri has been linked with an exit in the final days of the transfer window.
Graham Potter wants West Ham to strengthen, but can now see one of his first-team players leaving the club.
The Hammers started their season with a loss against Sunderland and are looking to bring in quality players to the London Stadium.
West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout
Potter will not be pleased with the performance against Sunderland. (Credit: Imago)
Marseille in talks to sign Emerson
El Hadji Malick Diouf started for West Ham in their 3-0 defeat against the Black Cats on Saturday.
Given the financial outlay, it’s likely that he will be Potter’s go-to left-back or left wing-back for the season.
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However, the Hammers boss will want to have options in reserve and he could be without the services of Emerson.
Emerson was absent from the matchday squad against Sunderland
The 31-year-old has one more year left on his contract at the London Stadium
There is an option to extend that by another season, should the Hammers trigger it
According to Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis, the Brazilian is on the radar of Marseille.
He reported on 20 August that the Ligue 1 side have already begun talks to sign the 31-year-old ahead of the transfer deadline.
West Ham may look to sign another left-back
Emerson’s potential departure from West Ham could push Potter to seek another left-back, raising concerns as other squad areas urgently need reinforcement.
Emerson’s reliability makes his exit a blow, leaving only Diouf as a senior option, although Kyle Walker-Peters can also deputise there.
While a new left-back could stabilise the defence, the Irons’ midfield lacks depth, and their attack needs a proven goal-scorer to complement Jarrod Bowen.
With the transfer window closing soon, Potter faces a dilemma and prioritising a left-back risks neglecting midfield creativity and attacking potency, areas critical for a top-half Premier League finish.
Balancing these needs within budget constraints will test their recruitment strategy, as failing to address all weaknesses could undermine their season.
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