Graham Potter looking at the Chelsea badge
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Tue 26 August 2025 16:40, UK
Graham Potter is under pressure at West Ham, but he may have now been handed a lifeline to save his job.
West Ham have had a disastrous start to the season with back-to-back heavy defeats, and Potter is coming under increased scrutiny.
It has been a difficult transfer window for the Hammers, with a limited budget preventing West Ham from strengthening their squad beyond a few signings and free transfers.
However, following West Ham’s 5-1 defeat to Chelsea, Potter may now be handed reinforcements, with West Ham closing in on the signing of Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco.
West Ham manager Graham Potter anxiously watches on from the dugout
Potter is under huge pressure (Credit: Imago)
West Ham strengthening after Chelsea defeat
Magassa may not be the only signing West Ham make before the deadline, with Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney also reportedly of interest.
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This is a positive sign as West Ham desperately need to strengthen their options in central midfield, and while it may indicate that David Sullivan is panic-buying, Potter will welcome the additions.
Magassa could become West Ham’s sixth senior summer signing, and join before the September 1 deadline.
West Ham were yet to bring in a central midfield option despite letting Carlos Soler and Edson Alvarez depart.
Potter may therefore have Chelsea to thank, as this increased spending and willingness to bring players in may have stemmed from their brutal home defeat, where it became very clear that the squad was miles off the required level.
Edson Alvarez is nearing a move to Fenerbahce
West Ham need to replace Edson Alvarez (Credit: Imago)
West Ham need more signings after Soungoutou Magassa
It is a damning indictment of poor recruitment in recent years that West Ham need to strengthen in so many positions this summer despite the limited budget.
West Ham’s biggest deal was the purchase of loanee Jean-Clair Todibo, a deal which has not gone down well given his poor performances since his arrival.
Even after Magassa, another midfielder, and possibly another defender and winger are all needed as West Ham face a potential relegation battle.
Potter will hope that the ambition and means are there to bring in these signings before the deadline, and Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid could also be targeted.
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