The Five Midfielders West Ham United Could Sign Before Deadline Day | OneFootball

West Ham’s Midfield Rebuild Gains Traction After Álvarez Exit

West Ham United’s summer rebuild under Graham Potter appears to be shifting up a gear, with Edson Álvarez’s loan to Fenerbahce potentially unlocking key reinforcements. As reported by The Guardian, the departure of the Mexican midfielder has freed up significant funds, with Álvarez’s £115,000-a-week wages now off the books. It is a move that may define the club’s approach in the final days of the transfer window.

Álvarez Move Opens Strategic Door

Álvarez, who joined just a year ago, has fallen out of favour under Potter. The former Ajax man was viewed as a disciplined holding player, but Potter’s preference for a more progressive, energetic midfield has sidelined him. According to The Guardian, West Ham “have been waiting for him to agree to a season-long loan to Fenerbahce, who have included an option to buy in the deal”.

This development not only frees up salary space but also brings flexibility for West Ham to act decisively in the market, particularly as they look to bring in two new midfielders. One will be tasked with controlling the game from deep, while the other will inject creative spark further forward.

Picture:IMAGO

Targets Identified But Deals Elusive

The club’s ambition is clear. However, attempts to bolster the squad have met resistance so far. West Ham’s improved bid of £30 million plus £2 million in add-ons for Mateus Fernandes was swiftly rejected by Southampton. The Saints remain firm in their valuation of the 21-year-old at £50 million.

Potter reportedly views Fernandes as his “ideal No 8”, but the financial gap remains too wide. This situation is further complicated by Southampton’s intent to strengthen their own finances by selling winger Tyler Dibling to Everton, possibly reducing their need to part with Fernandes.

Scouting Continues Across Europe

With Fernandes unlikely, West Ham have widened their search. They are tracking Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid, and have registered interest in Lens’ Andy Diouf, both of whom offer youthful dynamism and versatility. Rennes’ Djaoui Cissé, a 21-year-old also linked with Inter, has emerged as another potential candidate. Meanwhile, Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor and Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber remain on the radar as part of a continued focus on the Eredivisie.

To strengthen further up the pitch, attention has turned to Getafe’s Christantus Uche, described by The Guardian as a player who “scored and made a goal in Getafe’s win over Celta Vigo last Sunday”. His versatility as both an attacking midfielder and striker could prove valuable in a squad that has struggled to create chances early in the season.

Financial Caution Remains

West Ham’s activity has been constrained by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations, with the club needing to wait for Mohammed Kudus’ £55 million move to Tottenham before investing. That departure, along with Álvarez’s exit, has now created space to manoeuvre, but the market remains challenging.

They have signed four players this summer, though none are considered marquee arrivals. Additionally, West Ham are still open to offers for Guido Rodríguez and Andy Irving, which could further reshape the squad.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a West Ham fan’s point of view, this all feels far too reactionary and late in the window. Graham Potter may have a vision, but it is being implemented under financial pressure and on tight deadlines. The club is clearly scouting well, and names like Diouf, Cissé, and Timber are promising, but until something concrete happens, this feels like another summer of waiting and compromise.

The 3-0 loss to Sunderland in the opening match laid bare the midfield deficiencies. We looked flat, uninspired and outpaced. Álvarez’s departure, while necessary for budgetary reasons, also underlines the club’s instability in planning. He was a key signing just one year ago, and now he’s deemed surplus.

There’s also unease about losing out on Fernandes. If Potter truly sees him as the ideal fit, then why is the club refusing to meet the valuation? Yes, £50 million is steep, but not securing first-choice targets often leads to settling for second or third-tier options.

As fans, we want to see decisive action and a clear direction. At the moment, there’s too much short-term thinking. With time ticking down, West Ham need more than just good intentions — they need real additions and they need them fast.