West Ham look to be on the brink of two midfielder deals — and the impact could be huge for Graham Potter one way or another.
The world and its wife knew this summer transfer window was one of West Ham’s most important for over a decade.
The Hammers have been in constant regression since January 2024 with only 15 wins from 59 Premier League games.
David Moyes left behind a thin and ageing Hammers squad which Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui somehow made thicker but even older and more immobile.
Graham Potter stated he wanted to thin the squad out again and focus on team spirit – much like Moyes when he first arrived back for a second spell in 2020.
11 out and 4 in doesn’t add up for West Ham
Potter has certainly done that, offloading nine senior first team players.
Evan Ferguson and Carlos Soler were not retained after the expiration of their loan moves.
Veteran quartet Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and Vladimir Coufal were released as was Danny Ings.
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West Ham controversially sold Mohammed Kudus to rivals Spurs for £54.5m in order to raise funds for Potter’s signings.
Then Edson Alvarez was shipped out on loan to Fenerbahce with the Turkish club having an option to make it permanent.
West Ham head coach Graham Potter looks shellshocked after the thrashing to Chelsea
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Classy Alvarez sent a message to West Ham with one very special mention overnight.
The Mexican’s departure has left some Hammers fans baffled given West Ham are so short on quality in the middle of the park and the deeply concerning lack of progress on signing new midfielders.
There is now just one week left until the transfer window slams shut.
It is arguably the biggest and most important week facing West Ham for years.
Failure to improve the team sufficiently could result in the club being relegated from the Premier League.
After the 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, Potter piled pressure on the Hammers board by demanding signings.
West Ham on verge of two midfielder deals
Now there have been significant developments.
West Ham are on the verge of midfielder deals that will leave Potter floored.
The Irons have been linked with no fewer than 14 midfielders over the weekend.
West Ham have inexplicably left the most important part of their summer business until last.
And something is now happening that will have Potter on his knees and could be a clear indication of one of two things.
After offloading nine players and signing just four so far – with only two of those being for the starting XI – two more West Ham players are set to leave.
West Ham head coach Graham Potter shares a handshake with midfielder Guido Rodriguez
Photo by Kevin C. Cox – Premier League/Getty Images for Premier League
A top spokesman for West Ham’s owners has confirmed to Hammers News that reports from Spain are correct and Guido Rodriguez will be the latest to depart the London Stadium.
Rodriguez, who was signed on a free transfer from Real Betis last summer, has failed to establish himself under Lopetegui and Potter and will now return to La Liga with Espanyol.
The fee is thought to be very minimal although has not yet been disclosed.
The Argentine midfielder is said to have turned down moves to Saudi Arabia in order to go back to Spain.
After Alvarez and Rodriguez, another midfielder could be on the way out too.
Andy Irving has held talks with Wrexham, who have him on a list of three key targets.
Celtic and Rangers have also been linked with Irving and it is thought he would prefer a move to one of the Old Firm.
Wrexham are also said to be struggling to meet Irving’s wage demands but the Scot is very much expected to leave in the coming days.
Double Hammers exit will leave Potter floored if signings don’t arrive
These departures come after West Ham’s owners confirmed Spurs and Villa want Lucas Paqueta and offered no assurances he won’t be sold in the last week of the window or any guarantees he would be adequately replaced.
The impending exits of Rodriguez and Irving hot on the heels of Alvarez surely means West Ham are now confident of making several signings in the last week of the window?
It can be the only logical explanation for taking such a huge gamble with an already weak and threadbare squad.
Or perhaps West Ham are clearing the decks as much as possible after announcing £100m plus losses are coming in their next accounts?
Potter and Hammers fans will be hoping it is the former.
Because if it is the latter, West Ham may as well roll over and accept relegation now.