(Credit: Getty Images and Imago)

De Bruyne 'agrees three-year deal' after shock West Ham United transfer approach

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

27 May 2025, 8:00 am

West Ham are pursuing a midfielder this summer as Graham Potter seeks to overhaul his squad.

Numerous Hammers stars are expected to leave the London Stadium this summer.

Lucas Paqueta has been linked with a move back to Brazil ahead of the Club World Cup.

On top of this, Tomas Soucek is rumoured to reunite with David Moyes at Everton.

Therefore, a midfielder is needed, with West Ham pursuing multiple targets.

Lucas Paqueta could leave West Ham this summer (Credit: Imago)

West Ham attempted to sign De Bruyne amid Napoli rumours

A surprising star who has been linked to West Ham this summer is Kevin De Bruyne.

The midfielder is set to leave Manchester City when his contract expires in the summer.

Multiple teams have tried to lure the six-time Premier League winner to their clubs, including West Ham, according to a new report.

Kevin De Bruyne's Manchester City career
Appearances	422
Goals	108
Assists	177
Honours	Premier League x1, Champions League x1, FA Cup x2, League Cup x5, European Super Cup x1, Club World Cup x1, Community Shield x3

De Bruyne left Man City as a legend

Graeme Bailey reported via TBR Football (27 May) that the Hammers made a "shock move" to sign De Bruyne.

The six-time Premier League title winner was considering the move as the chance to live in London once again appealed to the midfielder.

However, the former Champions League winner has now chosen Napoli over the Hammers, with De Bruyne set to sign a three-year deal with the Serie A champions.

Potter wants new signings (Credit: Imago)

De Bruyne interest proves West Ham still have significant market pull

While De Bruyne may have eventually rejected the Hammers, his interest in the club proves that West Ham still have a significant pull.

This is despite the London club once again failing to qualify for Europe, and there being genuine concerns that they could be relegated next season. Now, Potter needs to use this to his advantage.

De Bruyne was always unlikely to join the Hammers, given the ability he still possesses. However, this news proves that London club should be able to convince other stars to join over the course of the window.

If Potter can bring in a couple of significant signings to West Ham, a top-10 finish isn’t out of the question next season.

Kevin De Bruyne

Graeme Bailey