West Ham United are reportedly in early discussions to sign a new midfielder who was named Player of the Year at his club last season.
Since the transfer window opened last month, the Hammers have secured two new signings. Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme joined from Palmeiras in a deal exceeding £25 million, and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham arrived on a free transfer after departing from Sheffield United.
Manager Julen Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten are also targeting a significant defensive addition. Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Max Kilman is a key target, potentially reuniting with Lopetegui. If Kilman isn’t secured, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo is considered a viable alternative, though West Ham have already had a £30 million bid rejected by the French club.
Adding a new midfielder is another priority for the Hammers before Lopetegui’s first season begins against Aston Villa on August 17th. Celtic’s Matt O’Riley is reportedly attracting significant interest from West Ham. According to HITC, the Hammers are one of five Premier League clubs pursuing O’Riley, alongside Brentford, Everton, Fulham, and Southampton, though the latter is £10 million short of Celtic’s £30 million asking price.
A £30 million move would make O’Riley Celtic’s most expensive departure. Interest also comes from abroad, with Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Lyon, and Monaco named as potential suitors.
O’Riley joined Celtic from MK Dons in 2022 and has flourished in Glasgow, winning six major honors with the Hoops. His market value has surged from €2.3 million to a career-high €20 million, according to Transfermarkt. The 23-year-old, primarily a central midfielder, can also play as a holding or attacking midfielder. Last season, he scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
His stellar performances earned him Celtic’s Young Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and Player of the Year awards. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised O’Riley in May, stating: “He has been absolutely phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that.” Rodgers added, “He is very humble, there is nothing flash about him. His peers recognize the work he puts in and the mentality that he has. They know when they sit beside him in the changing room, this is a guy that puts in absolutely everything for the team and that is obviously very much respected.”
A move back to England could be imminent for the London-born star, but West Ham will face competition from several Premier League rivals to secure O’Riley’s services.
