Report: West Ham pursue £40m-rated midfielder as Potter seeks reinforcements | OneFootball

West Ham Target Aston Villa Midfielder Jacob Ramsey – But Face £40m Hurdle

Ramsey’s Future at Villa Park Remains Unclear

West Ham United are monitoring Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey as Graham Potter looks to strengthen his midfield before the transfer window closes. According to a report by the Daily Mail, “West Ham remain keen to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa with the midfielder currently keeping his options open over his long-term future.”

The 24-year-old is highly rated by Villa manager Unai Emery, but financial factors could play a decisive role. Given Ramsey’s status as a homegrown player, any transfer fee – reportedly around £40million – would count as pure profit for Villa under Premier League financial rules. As the Mail noted, “Ramsey is well regarded by Unai Emery but an eventual sale would represent pure profit.”

Graham Potter Identifies Key Midfield Target

Despite no formal offer being made, West Ham are believed to have Ramsey high on their list of targets. “Graham Potter sees Ramsey as the perfect player to strengthen his midfield options,” Mail Sport reported. However, the player himself is yet to be convinced by a switch to a Premier League rival, with Nottingham Forest also previously showing interest.

Should Ramsey remain at Villa beyond the start of the season, his playing time could shape his decision. Regular minutes might result in a contract extension, while a peripheral role could prompt a move. His current deal runs until 2027.

Transfer Fee and Player Ambition May Stall Deal

The reported £40million fee could be a significant stumbling block. West Ham are also linked with Harvey Elliott of Liverpool and Douglas Luiz, now at Juventus, although Luiz’s wages could prove prohibitive.

Photo: IMAGO

Ramsey’s agent, Will Salthouse, has a close relationship with West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan, potentially smoothing negotiations. Salthouse also represents new signing Callum Wilson, who recently joined the Hammers on a free transfer.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a West Ham supporter’s perspective, this pursuit of Jacob Ramsey is both exciting and frustrating. There’s no denying Ramsey’s potential—his blend of athleticism, technical quality, and Premier League experience make him an ideal addition to Graham Potter’s new-look midfield.

However, £40million is steep, particularly with Financial Fair Play considerations and the need for multiple signings. Fans might question whether that money could be better allocated, especially with Freddie Potts showing promise and Callum Wilson arriving to bolster the squad.

Still, Ramsey is homegrown, has room to grow, and could be a long-term piece in West Ham’s project under Potter. The uncertainty surrounding his role at Villa might give West Ham hope, but it’s clear he’s not desperate to leave. For supporters, the key is value for money—many would argue Ramsey fits the profile but not at £40m.

There’s also an element of ambition here. Signing someone like Ramsey signals West Ham’s intent to challenge for European places. Whether the club can convince him to make the move may depend on both Villa’s stance and whether Potter can offer him a guaranteed role.

Ultimately, this feels like a saga that could run until deadline day—and fans will be watching closely.