Opinion: West Ham Midfielder Likely Finished Under Potter as Replacement Target Emerges
Graham Potter had only weeks to reshape the West Ham squad after succeeding Julen Lopetegui last month.
Maxwel Cornet was the only senior player to leave the club, though he had made just two Premier League starts in the past two seasons. Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse has returned from The City Ground.
Before the transfer window closed, the former Brighton and Chelsea manager secured one crucial signing—Evan Ferguson on a loan deal.
With Danny Ings struggling to make an impact at the London Stadium and both Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug sidelined, securing a new striker for the second half of the season was essential.
As always, new signings shift attention toward the futures of existing squad members. Some players will already be feeling the pressure ahead of the summer transfer window.
Midfield Reinforcements
Edson Álvarez has received mixed reviews since arriving in East London in 2023, while Guido Rodríguez has struggled to make an impact following his free transfer.
With that in mind, it appears Graham Potter is already preparing to replace the Argentine at the first opportunity.
West Ham had their sights on OH Leuven’s talented midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi last month [Jacob Steinberg].
The Belgian club’s sporting director has admitted that Banzuzi has outgrown his current league, giving the Hammers a prime opportunity to move for him once the summer transfer window opens.
Additionally, former Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Marco Verratti has been linked with a potential summer move to East London [TBR Football], further casting doubt on Rodríguez’s future under the new management.
Rodríguez’s Future Looks Bleak
Since joining West Ham from Real Betis on a free transfer, Rodríguez has made just 20 appearances. Given his performances in La Liga, expectations were high, but he has struggled to adapt.
In his short time at the club, the midfielder has already shown his limitations, leaving Potter with little choice but to consider alternatives before the summer window.
Banzuzi appears to be a promising option. At just 19, he is excelling in the Belgian league, making him a valuable long-term investment.
However, Potter will have to navigate the remainder of the season with his current options before making any significant changes.
