West Ham line up complete full-circle Sorba Thomas transfer after academy rejection

Sorba Thomas could soon seal an emotional return to West Ham United.

The Wales international is currently applying his trade at Stoke City after signing last summer.

His debut campaign with the Potters was a dream as he put up 10 goals and 11 assists in the Championship.

That saw him sit third in the division for combined goal involvements, narrowly behind Oli McBurnie who achieved promotion with Hull City.

The 27-year-old could soon be on the move as an East London move could be on the cards.

West Ham News has covered interest from the London Stadium for Thomas as we turn back the clock to his prior Irons exit.

How West Ham rejection inspired Sorba Thomas' career

The midfielder is now known as one of the most creative players in the entire EFL.

In his days with Huddersfield Town and now at Stoke, he has shown his quality in spades.

Things weren't always so rosy for the 1999-born ace after he was released by West Ham at 16.

That disappointment nearly saw him end his football career all together as he revealed in a 2021 Sky Sports interview.

He said: "Growing up I was only ever good at football. t's all I ever wanted. So to be getting told you're not good enough hit me really hard, because I'd never been told that before. When it happened I threw my boots and shin pads in the bin."

Obviously, he returned to the game as conversations with friends and family prompted him to make a move to Boreham Wood.

Things certainly picked up from there as he went on to make 77 appearances there, before joining Huddersfield in 2021.

That is where Thomas' reputation skyrocketed and he put that down to his release from West Ham in 2016.

"Right now I look back on it and think that being released at a young age is the best thing that ever happened to me."

It could now go full circle as a Hammers return could now be in the pipeline for the Welshman.

How Thomas can seal West Ham return

There is certainly a need for fresh faces at the London Stadium right now.

Nuno Espirito Santo is yet to bring anyone in at this stage, but they still need to be the right signings.

Thomas could prove to be someone who fits the bill due to his prior link with the East Londoners.

That has prompted interest in the Welshman at Stoke City, as reported by Alan Nixon via Patreon on Tuesday.

The Potters are said to want £10million for his signature, but the winger is said to be open to the move after a stellar Championship season.

That would see Thomas complete a full circle from his youth days in a move that Nixon believes "would suit him perfectly".