West Ham United midfielder Soungoutou Magassa has attracted interest from several clubs, with Ligue 1 giants Lyon and Marseille among those reportedly showing interest. Despite the enquiries, no concrete offers have been made for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.
Following their relegation, West Ham is undergoing a squad overhaul. While key players like Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes have departed, captain Jarrod Bowen has remained with the club, providing a boost to morale. The team has also seen new arrivals, including Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur and Joel Veltman, who joined after his contract with Brighton expired.
Interest in Magassa Amidst Squad Changes
Magassa, who joined the Hammers from Monaco last summer, has become a subject of transfer speculation. Clubs are reportedly viewing West Ham‘s relegation to the Championship as an opportunity to acquire the midfielder. Turkish club Galatasaray had reportedly considered him as an alternative target, and Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt also explored him as an option, though neither made a concrete move.
The French midfielder played a sporadic role for Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side, starting only eleven of the 22 league matches he featured in. With less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window, the situation surrounding Magassa is being closely watched.
West Ham United‘s director of player recruitment, Nils Koppen, has been managing both incoming and outgoing transfers. While he praised Joel Veltman for his leadership qualities, he also faces the task of handling potential departures.
Potential Departures from West Ham
Beyond Magassa, several other West Ham players could also be on their way out. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who has spent five years in east London, may seek a move. Despite his tenure, Lukasz Fabianski was often preferred, and the arrival of Mads Hermansen further limited Areola‘s game time. With Hermansen‘s experience gaining promotion with Leicester City in 2024, he is expected to be the primary choice in goal. Reports indicate interest from several Italian and French clubs in Areola.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a right-back, is also considered to be above Championship level. His performances in DR Congo‘s second FIFA World Cup campaign reportedly increased his market value. Signed from Manchester United for £15 million, he has been a consistent performer under multiple managers. His absence from the club’s media day suggests a potential exit, with Everton and Aston Villa reportedly keen on his signature.
French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, a marquee signing under Julen Lopetegui, has faced fitness issues and reported disagreements with managers. He was not utilised during the relegation battle and was absent from pre-season activities. While West Ham is unlikely to recoup the £36 million paid to Nice for him, Marseille is reportedly in advanced talks to sign him, potentially offering him a return to Ligue 1.
German frontman Niclas Fullkrug, who joined for £27 million, has struggled to meet expectations, scoring only three Premier League goals in two seasons, which led to a loan spell at AC Milan. He could depart as West Ham looks to strengthen its attacking options, with discussions ongoing to bring Troy Parrott to the club after a proposed move for Fullkrug to Venezia did not materialise.
Younger players on the fringes of the squad are also expected to seek opportunities for regular first-team action. While some, such as Fin Herrick and Ezra Myers, may play a role in the upcoming campaign, others like Kaelan Casey, George Earthy, and Airidas Golambeckis might look for moves elsewhere to gain experience. Magassa‘s current contract with West Ham has five years remaining, which could make a permanent transfer challenging for foreign clubs, potentially opening the door for a loan deal if the club agrees.
| Linked club | League |
|---|---|
| Galatasaray | Turkish Super Lig |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | Bundesliga |
| Marseille | Ligue 1 |
| Lyon | Ligue 1 |
Contract Situation and Loan Possibilities
The fact that Magassa has five years remaining on his contract could complicate any permanent transfer, making it difficult for interested foreign clubs to meet West Ham‘s valuation. This situation might lead to a loan move being considered as an alternative, should West Ham be open to such an arrangement. According to French journalist Santi Aouna, despite the interest from various clubs, no concrete offers have been submitted for Magassa at this time.
The ongoing transfer window continues to see enquiries for the midfielder, and his situation remains one to monitor as the deadline approaches.
Source: vavel.com
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