Graham Potter’s options with neither Guido Rodriguez or Edson Alvarez part of his long – term plans – and both likely to be offloaded before the end of the window – are limited. The midfield desperately needs upgrading with pace, power and awn infusion of the warrior spirit.
Tomas Soucek, James Ward Prowse and debutant Freddie Potts offer a wafer-thin level of resistance and so the rumour mills have been rife with approaching twenty ‘named’ candidates suggested as likely recruits to the Hammer’s cause.
The failed Mateus Fernandes bid only increases worries that West Ham are running out of time to bring in upgrades.
In The Know Fabrizo Romano has delivered – via Jacob Steinberg- the news that a confirmed bid is in, and negotiations ongoing – for an Alvarez replacement:
“West Ham sent official bid to AS Monaco for Soungoutou Magassa as new defensive midfielder. Negotiations ongoing, as @JacobSteinberg reports.”
The bid appears to be a €19 million package for the 21 year old: Background is sketchy but as reported by Yahoo sports,this afternoon- :
According to Foot Mercato, Monaco have rejected West Ham’s latest bid. However, Graham Potter’s East London outfit is expected to step up its efforts to sign Magassa. A second bid is expected to arrive on Monaco CEO Thiago Scuro’s desk. Magassa featured 31 times for Adi Hütter’s Monégasques last season. The 21-year-old was not part of the Monaco squad that defeated Le Havre 3-1 “.
Oh and givemesport.com called him a ‘midfield beast’. Magassa, that is, not Fabrizio Romano.
Potter said number six and number eight wanted, sounds like this is a bid for a number six. I don’t know him so I googled…
Has played for France at U21, can play centre back or defensive midfield, two footed, described as a box to box midfielder. 21 years old, six two, 44 appearances for Monaco, French.
Sounds like he fits the bill generally but Lord knows about quality. Seems like someone who may well improve.
Again another new name, everyday another with no actual progress with anyone. This is serious way to dead l with an urgent problem?
An AI scouting report (a worrying indication of the modern age) suggests a player very similar to Edson Alvarez. A ‘sitter’ / centre half with discipline issues. Honestly- you couldn’t make it up!! 5 caps for France though…
Hi Martin , never heard of him , do you know anything about him . He’s a defensive midfielder isn’t that the same position as Raphael Onyedika. As he has pace , strength and turns defence into attack. Do you agree he would fit the system ? Also do you know if we bid for him as you posted about him this morning . Strange two players same position!
suggest Magassa cheaper than Onyedika and probably ahead in the ‘offer’ queue: Haven’t had direct confirmation that the irons have CTUALLY placed a formal bid for onyedika. yet. Magassa can play centre back, DM or more trad central role. More news shortly 🙂
You (C&H) keep reporting that Alvarez and Rodriguez will be gone by the end of this window, but it seems more likely that both will still be here a year from now if the West Ham administration do not change their ways. Alvarez is setting up nicely to become the next Aguerd, while Rodriguez’ is not worth what WHU want for him. They need to learn from past mistakes rather than expecting someone else makes the same one.
Bid rejected you say? That surprises me tremendously. After all our glorious leader is well known for his fair and realistic bidding techniques. Not.
Wait for it… second bid coming 😉
Waiting with bated breath to hear that our second bid (£100 plus a Twix higher than the original bid) has also been rejected! These selling clubs are so unreasonable to deal with. 😊
sadly you may be right – but being less cynical(despite 55 years supporting) I’d still keep the faith that at least one new midfielder will materialise before 1st september.
That’s only enough if we play a one midfielder system! That might be one more than the last game.
Looks like Sullivan is putting on a show making bids that he knows won’t be accepted wonder what he will do if one is accepted he would be in a panic and might even have to put his hand in his pocket something that would really piss him off he clearly doesn’t give a s—t about the club or the fans sooner he and his crew are out of our club the better