Graham Potter Personally Steps In to Pursue ‘Solution to England’s Midfield Woes’ for West Ham

West Ham United’s squad is in urgent need of restructuring, and incoming head coach Graham Potter will be fully aware of the major challenge ahead at the London Stadium.

The current team lacks balance and is short on youth, energy, and athleticism—qualities that must be addressed swiftly.

With limited funds available, Potter will need to be strategic and frugal in the transfer market, making free agents a likely focus in the upcoming window.

One such player who had attracted significant interest from the Hammers is Angel Gomes.

Set to become a free agent this summer, the 24-year-old Lille midfielder has been monitored by West Ham for some time.

Known for his technical ability and intelligence in midfield, Gomes has even been touted as a potential solution to England’s long-standing central midfield issues, according to the Evening Standard.

Despite the strong interest, West Ham have suffered a major setback.

According to Claret and Hugh, Gomes has turned down a move to East London—even after Potter personally attempted to sway him with a direct phone call.

The rejection is a significant blow for West Ham, as Gomes could have brought the kind of creativity, dynamism, and control that the midfield desperately needs.

A significant squad overhaul is expected at West Ham this summer, particularly in midfield.

Guido Rodriguez and Andy Irving are both likely to depart, while the futures of Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, and James Ward-Prowse remain uncertain.

The need for a powerful, athletic, box-to-box midfielder who is confident in possession is becoming increasingly urgent.

Gomes seemed an ideal fit for that role, but with his decision to reject the move, the club will now have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.

For Potter, it’s a reminder of the tough road ahead as he begins his West Ham tenure.