West Ham offload £35m star and target ‘versatile’ Chelsea midfielder – AI suggests solutions for Graham Potter’s midfield rebuild.

Graham Potter Apologizes for West Ham’s Slow Progress After Newcastle Defeat

 

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has issued an apology for the club’s slow progress since his arrival, following their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Monday night.

 

The London Stadium fixture lacked both intensity and quality, leaving fans frustrated as the Hammers failed to make an impact under the lights.

 

In the aftermath of the match, The Athletic highlighted that adding dynamism and creativity to the midfield will be a top priority for Potter in the upcoming summer transfer window.

 

Potter, addressing the current situation, acknowledged the need for improvement while praising his players’ commitment:

 

“I apologise if things aren’t happening quicker than we want them to be, but I think when you see the players give everything, that [commitment] is there.

 

“James Ward-Prowse I thought was fantastic, covering such an amount of ground. You know Tomáš [Souček] and Edson [Álvarez] are working hard, and Ollie Scarles was [out] on his feet at the end there.

Players are giving everything, so I think that’s a real strong start point, a strong foundation. We have to have that, and then obviously, we always want to look to improve.

 

“Today’s a bit of a sore one because we wanted to get something from the game, but yeah, that’s life sometimes.”

 

 

Despite Potter’s positive assessment of his squad’s effort, results have been underwhelming, and it is clear that significant reinforcements will be needed in the summer.

 

Midfield Overhaul: Potter’s Top Priority

 

According to The Athletic, West Ham are unlikely to make Carlos Soler’s loan move from Paris Saint-Germain permanent at the end of the season.

 

The Spanish midfielder came on as a substitute for the final 25 minutes against Newcastle but struggled to make an impact.

 

His lack of influence, particularly in deeper midfield areas, has raised concerns about his long-term suitability for Potter’s system.

 

Edson Álvarez, who joined the club in 2023 for £35 million, also failed to impress against Newcastle, further exposing West Ham’s deficiencies in central midfield.

 

Meanwhile, the usually dependable Tomáš Souček squandered a golden opportunity to put the Hammers ahead early in the game.

 

With these issues in mind, Potter is well aware that significant improvements are needed in midfield.

 

Strengthening the center of the park will be a key focus, alongside the search for a true attacking talisman.

 

Uncertainty Over Lucas Paquetá’s Future

 

Another looming issue for West Ham is the uncertain future of Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian playmaker is currently under investigation for alleged betting-related offenses, with the FA reportedly seeking a lifetime ban. Paquetá has denied the charges, but his availability beyond the summer remains in doubt.

 

This uncertainty further complicates West Ham’s transfer plans, as losing their most creative player would leave a significant void in midfield. LondonWorld sought insights from AI program ChatGPT regarding potential solutions for West Ham’s midfield restructuring.

 

Player Exits to Make Way for New Arrivals

 

To accommodate new signings, West Ham will need to offload some players. ChatGPT suggests that while it remains possible for Soler to sign permanently, his high wages present a major hurdle—an issue that existed even before his underwhelming performances.

 

Additionally, ChatGPT indicates that Álvarez’s future at the club is uncertain under Potter. Reports have linked the Mexican midfielder with a potential move to AS Monaco, as West Ham may look to reshape their midfield with a different profile of player.

 

Furthermore, the AI analysis suggests that the decision not to sign Soler permanently could benefit James Ward-Prowse, potentially increasing his importance in Potter’s plans for next season.

 

Why West Ham Should Consider Selling Edson Álvarez

 

ChatGPT provides several reasons why West Ham might consider parting ways with Álvarez in the summer transfer window:

 

“Under Graham Potter, West Ham may look for a midfielder with more technical ability to fit into a possession-based system.

 

While Álvarez is solid defensively, he might not be the best fit for a team that prioritizes ball retention and fluid passing in midfield.

 

If the club wants to gain more control in the center of the park, selling Álvarez could help fund a more technical replacement.

 

“Additionally, West Ham might want to refresh their midfield with more dynamic or creative players to improve their attacking output, and Álvarez’s style of play may not fully align with those goals.”

 

 

 

This suggests that West Ham could be looking for a midfielder better suited to Potter’s philosophy—one who excels in possession and can contribute more creatively going forward.

 

AI Identifies Two Ideal Midfield Targets for West Ham

 

As West Ham look to strengthen their midfield, ChatGPT has identified two ideal transfer targets for the Hammers: Angel Gomes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

 

Angel Gomes: A Strong Fit for Potter’s West Ham

 

England international Angel Gomes has emerged as a prime target for West Ham this summer.

 

However, securing his signature won’t be easy, as Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly interested in the midfielder.

 

ChatGPT believes Gomes would be an excellent fit for the Hammers due to his tactical flexibility, technical ability, work rate, and adaptability. The AI analysis states:

 

“Angel Gomes would likely be a great fit for Potter’s West Ham system, especially with his creative flair and tactical versatility.

 

His style of play aligns with the demands of Potter’s approach, and he could add an exciting dimension to West Ham’s attacking play.”

 

Gomes’ ability to play multiple roles in midfield makes him a valuable asset, particularly in a system that requires adaptability and fluid movement in possession.

 

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: A High-Intensity Midfield Option

 

Another potential target for West Ham is Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who was previously linked with the Hammers in the January transfer window.

 

ChatGPT suggests that £30 million would likely be enough to secure his services.

 

Dewsbury-Hall’s attributes align well with Potter’s preferred playing style. ChatGPT highlights his key qualities:

 

“Dewsbury-Hall is known for his energy and work rate, which aligns well with Potter’s pressing and high-intensity style.

 

He covers a lot of ground, both defensively and offensively, which is important in a system where midfielders are expected to contribute on both ends of the pitch.

 

 

“Overall, Dewsbury-Hall’s work rate, technical ability, versatility, and Premier League experience would make him a strong addition to Graham Potter’s midfield at West Ham.

 

He could provide balance, energy, and creativity to the squad, improving both defensive stability and attacking fluidity.”

 

Conclusion

 

West Ham’s struggles in midfield have been a recurring theme this season, and it’s clear that Potter is keen to address this issue in the summer.

 

With uncertainty surrounding Lucas Paquetá’s future, the underwhelming performances of Soler and Álvarez, and the need for a more possession-based style, significant changes could be on the horizon.

 

The pursuit of Angel Gomes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall suggests that West Ham are looking for midfielders who can bring energy, creativity, and technical quality to the team.

 

If these signings materialize, the Hammers could be in a much stronger position to compete next season under Potter’s guidance.