West Ham were anything but quiet during the January 2026 transfer window.
Five new arrivals walked through the doors at the London Stadium, including Axel Disasi, Taty Castellanos and Adama Traoré, as Nuno Espírito Santo looked to steer the club clear of relegation trouble.
Whether that business proves enough remains to be seen, with the Hammers still locked in a tense battle near the bottom.
But one player they were unable to land mid-season has now spoken out — and he hasn’t exactly closed the door on a future move.
Alpha Toure ‘Flattered’ by West Ham Interest
Alpha Toure. (Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Alpha Toure. (Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Alpha Touré emerged as a genuine target for West Ham in January, with reports suggesting the club even lodged a £6 million bid for the Metz midfielder.
The 20-year-old Senegalese talent, who joined Metz from Génération Foot in 2024, ultimately remained in France. However, speculation surrounding his future hasn’t gone away.
Speaking to Africa Foot, Touré addressed the transfer interest directly.
“It’s always flattering when clubs like West Ham or Beşiktaş show interest in me. It shows that I still have to work hard. But I’m under contract with Metz and I’m very focused on my season. I leave that to my representatives [my family] and the club.”
The young midfielder made it clear his immediate focus remains on his current employers: “I’m concentrating on the pitch. As long as I’m wearing the Metz shirt, I give 100%… The Premier League is a very intense championship, with a lot of pace and impact. It’s a dream for many players. But one thing at a time.”
With West Ham still fighting to secure their top-flight status, any potential summer move could hinge on survival. Touré is under contract until 2028, and Metz are in no rush to sell.
When asked about his long-term ambitions, he added: “My future? To continue progressing here, to help the club achieve its goals, and perhaps even make history like some of the great Senegalese players before me. After that, football evolves quickly; we’ll see what the future holds, God willing.”
It’s not a come-and-get-me plea — but it’s certainly not a rejection either. And if West Ham retain their Premier League status, this may be one to revisit.