Serie A champions Napoli could make a move for West Ham midfielder Soungountou Magassa during the January transfer window, according to reports in Italy.
The France Under 21 international only joined the Hammers in August but he has struggled for game time under head coach Nuno Espirito Santo in recent weeks.
Magassa started Nuno’s first two games in charge against Everton and Arsenal, but he has been an unused substitute in three of the last five matches.
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The 22-year-old has been given 30 minutes of game time in total since the beginning of October.
Napoli see him as an alternative to Mainoo
Italian newspaper Il Mattino (via CalcioNapoli24) report that Antonio Conte’s team have made Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo their top priority.
They believe they have the approval of the player but a lot will depend on whether they can reach an agreement over a loan deal. If not, Magassa is seen as the “plan B”, although his signing would be on a permanent basis.
West Ham have asked for their money back
The Irons spent €17m (£15m) to snap up Magassa from Monaco in August and it is believed they have told Napoli that they want the exact same figure if they make an offer in the New Year.
At the moment, there is a lot of uncertainty over whether a bid will be tabled. In addition to their pursuit of Mainoo, the Italian side also hold an interest in Genoa’s Morten Frendrup, who has been on West Ham’s radar in the past.
What seems clear, though, is that Magassa is not deemed indispensable by Nuno. If they can raise money from the Frenchman’s sale, it could be used to strengthen other areas of the squad. It’s a transfer to keep a close eye on.
Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here