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West Ham United are reportedly closing in on their first signing of the summer, marking the beginning of Graham Potter’s long-anticipated rebuild. However, questions are being raised behind the scenes about how much influence the new manager has actually had over transfer decisions.
According to a source close to majority owner David Sullivan, the club is preparing to make a move in the transfer market, but there is uncertainty over whether Potter has been at the heart of the process. This comes at a time when the Hammers are under significant financial pressure and operating within strict limits.
Although West Ham are not in immediate danger of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club is staring down the barrel of £80 million in projected losses, which are expected to appear in their next financial report. To ease cash flow issues, West Ham have already borrowed against £69 million in outstanding transfer fees owed by other clubs, via a deal with Barclays Bank.
The board has made it clear that any substantial transfer business this summer depends on generating funds through player sales. A top priority remains revamping the midfield and adding new attacking options — all while lowering the average age of the Premier League’s oldest squad.
Sporting director Tim Steidten and former manager Julen Lopetegui spent £155 million on nine players last season, but the squad only got older. The result is a midfield lacking pace, coherence, and chemistry.
Potter has publicly acknowledged the need for a younger and more dynamic team. Speaking to the press at the end of last season, he said:
“I think it makes sense for us to lower it [the age of the squad], because then you’re talking more about value and resale and a different profile of player. I’m not ageist. But I also understand the bigger global picture of football.”
West Ham are hoping to raise funds by selling key players — including Mohammed Kudus — and have reportedly received fresh encouragement from Chelsea regarding a possible deal. However, no sales have yet been completed, leaving Potter’s rebuild plans hanging in the balance.
The coming weeks could be decisive in determining whether West Ham can shift players quickly enough to fund the overhaul their manager envisions.
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