Graham Potter appears to have made up his mind about Tomas Soucek, a player often described as ‘marmite’ due to his polarising performances.
According to a recent article from Claret and Hugh, the West Ham manager is aiming to enhance the team’s midfield by addressing the lack of mobility and creativity that has plagued the side throughout the 2024-25 season.
While this might feel like a harsh decision concerning one of West Ham’s most loyal and hardworking players—and likely disappointing for many fans—it’s clear the team needs to significantly improve its central midfield performances.
If fellow midfielders Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodríguez, James Ward-Prowse, and loanee Carlos Soler are also under review, it could signal a radical midfield overhaul.
West Ham have long been linked with Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos, currently playing for Palmeiras in Brazil.
Initially, FC Porto were considered front-runners for Ríos despite his reportedly inflated €85 million release clause, but recent reports suggest they have withdrawn their interest.
This leaves West Ham in a strong position to make a move.
According to InsideFutbol.com, “West Ham United have now been boosted in their chase of midfield target Richard Rios, as European giants FC Porto are out of the race…
Palmeiras are ready to let Rios go, but they are looking for a fee of around €30m to do that.”
Ríos would represent a clear upgrade on Soucek in terms of dynamism and creativity.
At €30 million, the deal appears within reach—especially if West Ham could secure £15 million by offloading Soucek to Everton, where David Moyes is reportedly interested.
Though Soucek has been a fantastic servant for the club and his departure would be emotional for fans, signing Ríos could help ease the transition and offer renewed hope for a revitalised midfield.
