West Ham could face fresh transfer interest in Soungoutou Magassa this summer, with a new report suggesting the young midfielder is now the kind of profile Premier League clubs are increasingly looking at.
According to West Ham Zone, Magassa is now seen as a likely subject of bids at the end of the season, with the report framing him as part of a midfield bracket that appeals strongly to Premier League recruiters.
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The 22-year-old has benefitted from increased game time under Nuno Espirito Santo this term, and his value may already have risen sharply after his first season at the London Stadium, in which he has made 25 appearances, scored once and provided one assist.
Despite still being relatively raw in terms of ability, Magassa’s development has seemingly started to attract attention. Given how often clubs in the Premier League look for young midfielders with physical upside, recovery speed and room to improve, it is not difficult to see why his name is beginning to circulate.
Magassa’s progress has put him on the radar
Magassa in action against Bournemouth
Magassa in action against Bournemouth.
West Ham were already reluctant to let Magassa leave in January amid interest from Galatasaray. He may still be raw in parts, but there is clearly enough there for clubs to believe he has significant potential.
According to FotMob data Magassa has made 21 Premier League appearances, including 11 starts, while posting 3.68 tackles per 90, a 56 per cent duel success rate and 80.6 per cent pass accuracy. Those are not flawless numbers, but they do support the idea of a midfielder with a strong base to build from.
Clubs no longer wait for young players to become the finished article. If they see Premier League-level athleticism and a clear developmental curve, they tend to move early. While there’s no indication of any concrete interest in Magassa just yet, the report hints towards Magassa making the right improvements in order to attract interest in his services in the summer.
Indeed, West Ham’s Premier League status will have a role to play in the Frenchman’s future. If relegation is confirmed, it’s likely the club will be keen to cash-in on his talent if a suitable offer comes in, especially if it’s significantly more than the £17m they paid for him less than a year ago.
West Ham may soon have a decision to make
West Ham's Magassa v. Liverpool
West Ham’s Magassa v. Liverpool.
It’s claimed in the report David Sullivan could look to place an asking price in excess of £30m on Magassa if the club stay in the Premier League.
There’s no indication of whether West Ham are currently willing to listen to offers. In truth, Magassa is exactly the type of player West Ham should be trying to keep unless an offer becomes too strong to ignore.
Still, these reports underline how Magassa is now being viewed internally and externally. He is no longer just a prospect bedding in. He is a young Premier League midfielder with visible upside and a profile that fits what plenty of clubs want.
West Ham may not be actively pushing Magassa towards the exit, but if this report is true, it will be interesting to see how West Ham’s stance emerges amid concrete interest this summer.