West Ham United-linked Amadou Kone and a circular inset of West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo

Amadou Kone and Nuno Espirito SantoImago

What's next for West Ham United as Amadou Kone transfer eyed

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Published on:

31 Jul 2026, 7:10 am

West Ham United are being linked with a move for Ivorian midfielder Amadou Kone.

The Hammers are in need of reinforcements following their relegation from the Premier League last summer.

Demotion to the second tier has necessitated player sales, with Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville exiting during the window.

Fernandes moved to rivals Tottenham Hotspur in an £85million transfer, while Summerville made a lucrative switch to Al-Hilal.

The focus now really needs to switch to incomings, with the Hammers yet to make a signing in the window.

And Kone is seemingly a player on their radar as they look to bolster their squad.

West Ham face competition for Amadou Kone signature

West Ham Zone has previously identified three things on Nuno Espirito Santo's West Ham wish list for the summer window.

In truth, the list will be way more than three, but the pressing thing is to get some business done with the Championship campaign looming.

Now, according to prominent transfer journalist Santi Aouna writing for Foot Mercato, Kone is a player they are closely monitoring.

Kone, who has represented Ivory Coast at Under-23 level, left Reims for Saudi outfit NEOM last year.

The defensive-minded midfielder scored twice and assisted another during his debut campaign.

🚨🔵🇨🇮 #SPL |

💎 Amadou Koné fait l’objet de nombreux intérêts.

👀 Le milieu ivoirien de NEOM est pisté par Leeds, West Ham ou encore l’Atalanta Bergame.https://t.co/cGFN2gx83L pic.twitter.com/pZmngMQD7d
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) July 30, 2026

However, the report also states that Premier League outfit Leeds United are interested in Kone.

Additionally, Serie A side Atalanta are admirers of his profile, so West Ham could have their work cut out to seal a deal.

West Ham get chance to sign league-leading star who'd thrive in Championship

What else do West Ham United need this summer?

Frankly, there is not really a position that West Ham do not need to strengthen in over the coming weeks.

Areas of real concern are mainly in the attacking areas, with Summerville and Fernandes' departures leaving a real creativity void.

So, more strength on the flanks is a big one, with Stoke City's Sorba Thomas said to be a player of interest.

Reinforcement at centre-back would not go amiss either, while another striker and potentially a goalkeeper on the list.

Time is running out before the Championship campaign begins, though you sense West Ham will keep looking to strengthen right throughout the window after the season has begun.

Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio S.p.A.