West Ham’s winners and losers in Soungoutou Magassa deal – Huge impact on Lucas Paqueta
West Ham are finally making moves in the transfer window after an uninspiring summer so far.
Alarm bells were ringing last weekend after Sunderland battered West Ham 3-0.
Therefore, more additions were clearly needed as pressure ramps up on Graham Potter.
As a result, West Ham are now in advanced talks to sign Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco.
The defensive midfielder is highly rated at the Ligue 1 side, but it could spell the end of the road for numerous Hammers stars.
Loser – Tomas Soucek
While Tomas Soucek’s role at West Ham looks set to diminish with the midfielder now likely to have less minutes under Potter.
With Magassa being a defensive midfielder, it is hard to see how the Czech international with get into the starting XI this season, especially if no one is sold.
Given that Soucek has already been linked away from West Ham this summer, the 30-year-old may look to pursue an exit before the transfer window closes.
Equally, the midfielder may decide to stay and fight for his spot in the squad.
- Read more: David Sullivan will spit out his tea after hearing what Graham Potter’s said on West Ham spending
Winner – Lucas Paqueta
Now that it appears that Lucas Paqueta is staying at West Ham, the Brazilian could prove to be vital for the Hammers this season.
On his day, the 27-year-old is easily one of the most influential players on the pitch, and the addition of Magassa could help get the best out of him.
This is because if the Frenchman proves to be a solid defensive midfielder, it will allow Paqueta to stay forward rather than tracking back to help defend.
As a result, the Brazilian can go back to what he is best out – providing goals.
Loser – Guido Rodriguez
The news regarding Magassa has only made Guido Rodriguez’s future look bleaker.
The Argentine only joined West Ham last season, but he hasn’t impressed.
Against Sunderland, Rodriguez was awful and failed to provide any solidarity to the midfield.
- Rodriguez only covered 10.5 kilometres of ground vs Sunderland
- This ranks him 163rd lowest in the entire league for distance covered on the opening weekend
- Therefore, Potter may view Magassa as his replacement
Therefore, the 31-year-old will surely be kicked out of the starting XI for Magassa if the transfer goes through.
As a result, Rodriguez may be allowed to leave West Ham, ending his short spell at the London Stadium.
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