(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

West Ham's winners and losers in Soungoutou Magassa deal - Huge impact on Lucas Paqueta

Jack Dawson

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.

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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.

The defensive midfielder is highly rated at the Ligue 1 side, but it could spell the end of the road for numerous Hammers stars. 

Tomas Soucek West Ham
Tomas Soucek did not start against Sunderland (Credit: Imago)

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.

Lucas Paqueta pre-match before West Ham's pre-season match against Manchester United
Lucas Paqueta now looks set to stay at West Ham (Credit: Imago)

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. 

Guido 1Rodriguez West Ham
Guido Rodriguez has struggled since moving to the Hammers (Credit: Imago)

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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