“West Ham Set to SHOCK Football World with Audacious Last-Minute Raid for Champions League MIDFIELD MAESTRO Dubbed ‘The Next Toni Kroos’!”
West Ham United are exploring a late summer move for Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor, according to The Guardian.
Graham Potter is eager to strengthen his midfield before the transfer window closes, and Taylor has been identified as one of the club’s leading targets.
The Hammers’ need for reinforcements has grown since Edson Alvarez agreed to join Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on loan.
Alvarez’s exit not only creates a gap in midfield but also frees up significant wages, with the Mexican international previously earning around £115,000 a week.
West Ham Eyeing Ajax Star
Reports suggest Potter is targeting two midfield additions to inject both energy and creativity into his squad.
The former Chelsea and Brighton manager is said to want one deep-lying playmaker and another more advanced option.
Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes has long been admired by Potter as his preferred No. 8, but West Ham are unwilling to match the Saints’ £50m valuation.
That has pushed the club to consider other candidates, with Taylor among the names on their list alongside Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmidt and Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber.
Taylor, 23, has established himself as a central figure at Ajax over the last three seasons.
Once likened to Toni Kroos for his composure and passing range, the Dutchman has racked up 167 appearances, scoring 34 goals and supplying 23 assists.
His contributions were key in helping Ajax return to the Champions League last season following a two-year absence.
Magassa Deal Also in Motion
While talks for Taylor continue, West Ham are simultaneously advancing negotiations with Monaco for French U21 midfielder Soungoutou Magassa.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the London club have submitted a €20m (£17m) bid and discussions are progressing well.
Should the deal be completed, Magassa would become West Ham’s sixth summer signing.
Potter is hopeful of adding both Magassa and another creative option like Taylor before the deadline, as he looks to reshape the midfield and build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts this season.
