West Ham United prioritise deal for Nigerian midfielder as part of Potter rebuild
West Ham have now finished one of their worst Premier League campaigns in recent years, and will aim to undertake a squad rebuild.
The Hammers finished in 14th place after their final day 3-1 victory away at Ipswich Town, and there will be plenty of work to do in the summer window.
West Ham spent heavily last summer, but got significantly worse on the pitch, and Graham Potter will now want to refresh the options he has in his squad.
It has now emerged that Potter wants to strengthen one area in particular, and a key target for West Ham has now been named.
West Ham to prioritise Raphael Onyedika transfer
West Ham want to strengthen their midfield options this summer, and have now identified Raphael Onyedika as a key target.
Onyedika is currently playing for Belgian side Club Brugge, but The Athletic‘s Roshane Thomas (26 May) has now reported that he is near the top of the list of West Ham’s targets.
Potter is reportedly keen on signing a midfielder, with Carlos Soler set to return to Paris Saint-Germain, while there could be further departures from his current roster.
| Carlos Soler under Graham Potter | |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Starts | 6 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
Onyedika has two years left on his contract in Belgium, and West Ham will make a serious push for him this summer as someone who can slot straight into the midfield.
Onyedika could revitalise West Ham midfield
Onyedika could be the younger physical presence West Ham need to revitalise their ageing midfield, and could slot straight in as a defensive-minded option.
The Nigerian is physically robust, having made 52 appearances across all competitions for Club Brugge, and would add height and composure to the middle of the park.
At 24, Onyedika could be a long-term option, and would arrive with Champions League experience under his belt.
The midfielder played against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Juventus this season, but was sent off against AC Milan in the league phase of the competition.
Potter is clearly after younger profiles with more energy than the likes of Guido Rodriguez and Ward-Prowse, and Onyedika could be a good addition to kick off the midfield rebuild this summer.