West ham sign multi-million deal for midfielder Graham Potter really likes, club responds
West Ham United’s efforts to strengthen their midfield have hit a stumbling block after their bid for Ezechiel Banzuzi was turned down. According to TBR Football (21 January), the Hammers submitted an offer for the 19-year-old Netherlands Under-21 midfielder, but it fell well short of OH Leuven’s £12 million asking price.
Graham Potter, who recently took over as West Ham manager, is said to be an admirer of the deep-lying midfielder. However, the club has yet to return with an improved bid closer to Leuven’s valuation. Interest in Banzuzi is not limited to the London club, as Monaco and Leicester City are also monitoring the teenager, per Voetbal International (7 January).
Potter’s Midfield Concerns Take Priority
Initially, West Ham’s primary focus for the 2025 January transfer window seemed to be signing a striker to address their issues in attack. But since Potter’s arrival, the narrative has shifted, with midfield deficiencies becoming a glaring concern.
The Hammers have endured a rocky start under Potter, suffering back-to-back defeats to Aston Villa in the FA Cup and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with a hard-fought win against Fulham sandwiched in between. Across these matches, the midfield has been overrun with ease, exposing the need for reinforcements despite recent investments in that area.
Carlos Soler, on loan from PSG, has shown flashes of quality, but his inconsistency has prevented him from becoming a reliable fixture in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Guido Rodríguez, who was signed last summer at Julen Lopetegui’s insistence, has failed to live up to expectations, with his performances leaving much to be desired (Daily Mail, 24 October 2024).
Why Banzuzi Fits the Bill
Ezechiel Banzuzi, though still in the early stages of his career, represents an intriguing option for West Ham. The 6’3″ midfielder combines physicality with composure on the ball, traits that could help add much-needed stability to the Irons’ midfield. Despite his age, he has already made a name for himself in Belgium’s top tier, earning international recognition with the Netherlands’ youth sides.
Signing a player like Banzuzi would not be a quick fix for the Hammers’ woes, but his athleticism and ability to shield the defense could make him a valuable asset in the long term. With Monaco and Leicester also interested, West Ham will need to act swiftly if they wish to secure his services.
What Next for West Ham?
If Potter is serious about addressing the midfield frailties, West Ham may need to return to OH Leuven with an offer closer to their £12 million price tag. Time is of the essence, as competing clubs could swoop in to seal the deal.
While adding Banzuzi would be a promising move, the Hammers still face the challenge of balancing their squad needs. With a misfiring attack and a vulnerable midfield, Potter must navigate the January window carefully to ensure the club can climb the Premier League table and avoid a relegation battle.
The clock is ticking, and West Ham fans will hope their club backs Potter with the necessary resources to make the crucial additions required to turn their season around.
