By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
At a time when West Ham appear to be stepping up their search for a striker, one of our former hitmen is moving closer to joining one of the Hammers’ Championship rivals.
Former West Ham academy striker Divin Mubama is nearing a season-long loan move from Manchester City to Southampton.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano reports that Southampton have reached a verbal agreement to sign the 21-year-old, although Manchester City still need to give the final green light as internal discussions continue.
Another Chance For Mubama
Mubama joined City after leaving West Ham in 2024, having progressed through the Hammers academy from the age of eight and made 16 senior appearances.
His career hasn’t really kicked on since leaving east London, although he did gain valuable Championship experience during a loan spell at Stoke City last season, scoring five times in 26 league appearances before an ankle injury disrupted his campaign.
The striker has also caught the eye during Manchester City’s pre-season and this proposed Southampton move should give him another opportunity to demonstrate the potential which made him such a highly-rated youngster at West Ham.
Ironically, given the current lack of depth in Nuno Espírito Santo’s attack, Mubama would probably find himself on the Hammers bench if he were still at the club.
West Ham are attempting to rectify that situation, with an improved offer expected after AZ Alkmaar rejected the opening bid for Troy Parrott.
Hopefully the Hammers can get that one over the line quickly and move on to strengthening elsewhere.
As for Mubama, Southampton looks like a good opportunity to finally kick-start a career which hasn’t progressed quite as quickly as many expected when he left West Ham.