A few well-placed January transfer signings really can re-ignite a season. Just ask West Ham United. French giants Marseille, though, may have landed the bargain of the window with Quinten Timber.
Hammers News can confirm that Nuno Espirito Santo was a big fan of former Feyenoord captain Timber.
The West Ham United boss wanted to sign the Dutch international for Nottingham Forest before his sacking at the City Ground. Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber did his best to encourage his twin brother to join him in the English capital, too.
Serious question – are you taking a peak Mateus Fernandes or a peak Lucas Paqueta in your dream midfield?!
A graphic showing Mateus Fernandes being voted Man of the Match by West Ham fans vs Burnley.
Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
Much to the delight of Marseille head coach Habib Beye, though, one of the sleeping giants of European football snatched Quinten Timber from under the noses of many rival suitors.
They also paid just £4 million for the privilege; a midfielder in the Mateus Fernandes mould secured for a tenth of the price.
West Ham United wanted to partner Mateus Fernandes with Marseille’s Quinten Timber
Now, speaking after Timber delivered a typically industrious and influential performance during Marseille’s 1-0 victory over Auxerre last weekend, Beye spoke in adoring terms about a midfielder snapped up on a knockdown fee as his contract ran down in Rotterdam.
Quinten Timber - FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-MARSEILLE-STRASBOURG
Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP via Getty Images
“We were discussing it with [sporting director] Medhi Benatia, and I told him it was truly a magnificent signing the club made in bringing in Quinten,” Beye tells a press conference.” Because I think he’s a very complete player, capable of playing in front of the defence in a two-man midfield, or behind the pressure in a three-man midfield.
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“We even saw him readjust his position in the second half against Auxerre; he was very effective in his link-up play with our attacking players.”
According to Dutch reporter Marcel van der Kraan, via De Telegraaf, West Ham held talks with Timber. As did Wolfsburg and Lazio.
The eight-time Netherlands international did not feel that the Hammers were ‘the right choice’, however. At the time, Marseille were well-placed to secure a Champions League spot while Nuno’s struggling side were still well adrift of safety in the Premier League relegation zone.
What changes would you make to this team against Aston Villa? 🤔
Harsh on Todibo but we NEED to win
A graphic showing the lineup that West Ham United should pick against Aston Villa in the Premier League on 19/03/2026.
Credit: GRV Media
Timber shines after leaving Feyenoord for France
Beye’s glowing praise for Timber’s ‘athleticism’, his ability to carry the ball between the lines and ‘drive through the opposing defence’ highlights the similarities between he and West Ham’s own Mateus Fernandes.
Two extremely well-rounded central midfielders capable of running the show in a variety of roles and tactical systems.
“He’s a player with impressive athleticism, he withstands pressure well, and he’s capable of bringing the ball out from the back,” adds former Newcastle defender Beye. “In my opinion, he has a real quality in his relationships with others. And above all, he’s a very generous player who loves playing football and training.
“He has this ability to accelerate when he’s found and then drive through the opposing defence. He’s a player who brings a lot to the team; he’s a top-level professional in everything he does on a daily basis, and that’s a good thing for us.”
Nuno applauds Fernandes for Portugal call-up
With Tomas Soucek now in his 30s and Soungoutou Magassa not exactly convincing, West Ham may be in the market for another midfielder this summer. Bayern Munich have triggered the buy-back clause in Noel Aseko’s contract, though. His name can be scrubbed off the shortlist.
In the meantime, Mateus Fernandes secured a first-ever senior Portugal call-up for the March international break. A World Cup spot is his to lose now.
“Fernandes is playing well, competing very well, and improving,” Nuno said ahead of Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa. “He’s an immensely talented player who takes a lot of responsibility, and he deserves to be called up for Portugal.
“Hopefully, he enjoys it. He’s going to have a lot of competition there!
“I think for West Ham, it’s good that we have as many players as possible available for their national teams. They enjoy playing for their countries, it’s always positive. It is one of the major goals for players individually to play for their national teams.”
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