Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 13 May 2026 13:26, UK

West Ham United are reportedly interested in former Dynamo Dresden squad planner Paul Wagner.

This comes at a time when the Hammers are in desperate need of a rebuild, whether they stay in the division or not.

With two matches to go, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit 18th in the Premier League, with relegation now a serious possibility.

With fixtures against Newcastle and Leeds remaining, the Irons are in a direct battle with Tottenham, who face Chelsea and Everton.

Either way, though, one thing that is certain is that a summer rebuild is an absolute necessity at the London Stadium.

West Ham among clubs interested in Dynamo Dresden planner

At just 27, Wagner is highly rated across Germany, having started his work at Dynamo Dresden in January 2020.

Back in March, he took leave from his role of head of scouting and squad planning in search of a new challenge.

As a result, interest has grown across the German tiers, while West Ham are also showing a big interest in his services – as per a report from Dennis Bayer of Sky Sports Germany.

Taking on the scouting and squad-planning role in 2024, Wagner would put together a side that finally rose to the 2. Bundesliga after multiple years scrapping in the third tier.

Despite their current status as a lower league club, Dynamo are one of Germany’s biggest clubs, emphasising the level of achievement to guide them up a division, prompting interest across the Bundesrepublik, including current promotion contenders Hannover.

Summer reset is imperative for West Ham

The simple fact of the matter is that no matter whether it is the Premier League or Championship that West Ham find themselves in next term, a complete reset is needed over the summer.

In years gone by, the East Londoners have seen the quality of the squad deteriorate, while the recruitment has done little to benefit those at the training ground.

As a result, relegation is now a possibility – something completely out of the picture when the Hammers lifted the Conference League just three years ago.

In Nuno, there is a manager capable of leading sides into Europe.

Should he keep the Hammers in the division, he should absolutely be backed to do so.

To ensure that seasons like the current one do not become the norm, a complete reset is needed throughout the squad this summer, and someone like Wagner may just be the man to lead that.