Ibrahim Sangare and David Sullivan in the circular inert
Credit: Imago
Henry Green
Wed 27 August 2025 20:40, UK
West Ham ambitiously sent a loan proposal for Nottingham Forest star Ibrahim Sangare amid their crisis in midfield.
Sangare joined Forest for £30million from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, but the midfielder has failed to secure a regular starting place.
The Ivory Coast international is set for more disruption this season, as former West Ham target Douglas Luiz is likely to take his place in the side.
Sunday’s opponents also have James McAtee and Elliot Anderson at their disposal, so it may be a surprise that they turned down West Ham’s offer for Sangare.
Graham Potter on the touchline in West Ham training gear.
Credit: Imago
Nottingham Forest want ‘important fee’ for Sangare
Graham Potter’s side have launched multiple bids following West Ham’s 5-1 embarrassment against Chelsea.
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West Ham appear to be closing in on Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco for £17million, but haven’t made much progress elsewhere.
Nottingham Forest have now set out their demands to sanction Sangare’s possible exit, too.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds have turned down a loan with buy clause offer from the Hammers for Sangare.
West Ham central midfielders (after Guido Rodriguez leaves)
Tomas Soucek
Freddie Potts
James Ward-Prowse
Andrew Irving
Nuno Espirito Santos’ side will only consider a permanent exit for Sangare for an important fee, or a loan move with 100 per cent guaranteed obligation to buy.
Given that the midfielder was signed for £30million in 2023, it is likely that Forest will want close to that figure.
Nottingham Forest’s demands appear unusual, given that the 27-year-old has yet to prove himself in England.
Therefore, despite the Hammers’ desperation in midfield, it appears unlikely that they will return with an improved offer, but their appreciation for Sangare goes beyond this summer.
Why did West Ham’s move for Ibrahim Sangare fall through in 2023?
West Ham showed plenty of interest in Sangare in 2023 before he signed for Nottingham Forest.
However, as has been the case for the Hammers in recent years, they were too slow in their pursuit of the midfielder.
Sangare attracted interest from fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United, but it was Nottingham Forest who ultimately moved for him the quickest.
Despite their long-term interest in the 27-year-old, it appears that the Irons will move on to other targets.
Hayden Hackney and Mateus Fernandes are still on their radar, and Potter has a huge gap in midfield he needs to fill before the window closes.
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