Graham Potter Targets Striker Signing as West Ham Rebuild Begins | OneFootball

West Ham Revive Interest in Jonathan David as Potter Plots Summer Overhaul

Longstanding Interest in Ligue 1 Striker

West Ham United’s search for a reliable goalscorer may finally lead them back to a familiar name. Jonathan David, the Canadian international who has lit up Ligue 1 with Lille, is firmly back on the radar, and this time, the urgency feels different. As The Athletic reports, “West Ham have a longstanding interest in David, which initially dates back to January 2021. Despite Niclas Fullkrug’s encouraging recent performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth, signing a striker remains a priority.”

The 25-year-old forward, with over 100 goals in 226 appearances, is now entering the final stretch of his Lille contract. He’s not expected to sign a new deal, opening the door for Premier League interest. While Graham Potter keeps his cards close when it comes to transfers, there’s an unmistakable sense of excitement from the West Ham head coach: “It’s going to be an exciting summer,” he said.

Forward Line Needs Fresh Legs

Potter’s attacking options have become emblematic of West Ham’s stagnation. Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are both out of contract this summer, while Evan Ferguson’s loan from Brighton appears to be a short-term stopgap. Fullkrug has shown promise, but it’s clear the club is prioritising a dynamic No 9 to lead the next phase.

Photo IMAGO

David’s pedigree is hard to ignore. He’s impressed across Europe this season, registering seven goals in the Champions League, including strikes against Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, and Dortmund. His blend of pace, movement, and finishing is exactly what West Ham have lacked.

Ageing Squad Adds to Urgency

West Ham’s ageing core presents a problem Potter must confront head-on. The Athletic highlighted that “the average age of West Ham’s team has been the joint-oldest (28.8 years old, level with Everton) in the Premier League.”

Twelve of the 28-man squad are aged 30 or over. While players like Tomas Soucek still contribute heavily, the physical demands of Potter’s intended style require a younger, more agile unit. The midfield and full-back positions are also under review, with Angel Gomes, Chris Rigg, and Kyle Walker-Peters all linked to potential moves.

Photo: IMAGO

Recruitment Network Fully Engaged

Much of this rebuild will be shaped by Potter’s long-time recruitment ally Kyle Macaulay, who joined from Chelsea. The duo are working in concert to identify players that reflect not just talent but character. As Potter explained: “We need to think about the character of the players, personality and how they fit into the values of the club… It’s not just about the talent on the pitch but off it too.”

It’s a mantra that could favour targets like David and Gomes, both of whom are known for their discipline and professionalism. The summer window, then, becomes not just a period of change — but an opportunity for realignment.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For many West Ham fans, this pursuit of Jonathan David is the kind of ambition they’ve been waiting for. After seasons of treading water with an ageing frontline, the idea of bringing in a forward with genuine European pedigree feels like a breath of fresh air.

David ticks so many boxes: age, goalscoring record, Champions League experience, and a high ceiling. But fans will also be wary. The club has often flirted with big-name signings only to be outbid or outmanoeuvred. The lack of European football next season may make this another hard sell.

Still, supporters can see the strategy emerging. Potter wants mobility, tactical flexibility, and a squad built around younger, hungrier players.

The idea of pairing him with someone like Angel Gomes behind the striker and a more dynamic midfield gives hope. For once, the vision appears to match the rhetoric. It’s not just about survival anymore — it’s about building something modern, sustainable, and potentially special.