West Ham make multi-million bid for midfielder admired by Graham Potter, club responds – report
West Ham United's bid for Ezechiel Banzuzi rejected as OH Leuven set £12 million price tag, reports TBR Football.
On 21 January, reports emerged that West Ham submitted a bid for Netherlands Under-21 midfielder Cissé Banzuzi.
However, the offer fell short of Belgian side OH Leuven’s £12 million valuation for the 19-year-old.
New West Ham manager Graham Potter “admires” the deep-lying midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Monaco and Leicester City [Voetbal International, 7 January].
Despite this interest, the Irons have yet to submit a revised bid closer to Leuven’s asking price.
Graham Potter’s Midfield Priorities
Ahead of the 2025 winter transfer window, West Ham appeared focused on signing a new striker.
However, since Potter’s arrival, he has identified midfield weaknesses as another pressing issue.
Under Potter’s management, the Hammers have suffered two defeats in the FA Cup and Premier League to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, with a narrow victory over Fulham sandwiched in between.
In all three matches, West Ham’s midfield struggled defensively, highlighting the need for reinforcements.
While PSG loanee Carlos Soler has shown flashes of quality despite inconsistent appearances, Guido Rodriguez has disappointed since his arrival last summer at Julen Lopetegui’s request [Daily Mail, 24 October 2024].
Although signing the young Banzuzi may not resolve all of West Ham’s midfield struggles, his addition could bring energy and potential to the team.
For Potter to achieve success this season, it’s clear he needs fresh options in midfield alongside a new striker.
