West Ham United manager Graham Potter has told the Hammers board that he wants one prolific striker in particular at Rush Green, coming after the club’s hierarchy once rejected the possibility of completing a deal.
West Ham set for David Moyes reunion against Everton
This weekend, the east Londoners travel to Goodison Park for a showdown against David Moyes’ rejuvenated Everton.
West Ham parted company with the tactician, who guided them to their first major trophy since the 1980s in 2023, last summer and welcomed Julen Lopetegui as his replacement – but the Spaniard’s dismal tenure at the London Stadium prompted David Sullivan to appoint Potter in his stead. Now, the two managers are set to lock horns on Merseyside, and Potter is welcoming the challenge.
“David’s done a really good job up there. He’s a top, top coach, and someone I have huge respect for,” said Potter on Moyes’ time at West Ham.
“He achieved a lot here at West Ham. He won a major trophy and his teams were competitive towards the top end of the Premier League table for several seasons, and I know how hard that is.
“I think we all want to improve all the time, but David set a high bar here, and everyone at the Club has a lot of respect for him. We all wish him well at Everton, just not on Saturday.”
West Ham head into the game off the back of a mixed run of form – beating Arsenal and Leicester City – but also falling to tepid 1-0 defeats on home turf against Brentford and Newcastle United.
Everton, meanwhile, are undefeated from their last five league games and haven’t lost in the top flight since a 1-0 defeat away to Aston Villa midway through January, so Potter will be forced to deal with a side who have their tails firmly up.
West Ham are playing for nothing but a respectable league position, but it is still imperative for Potter to take some momentum into what will be a crucial first full campaign in charge at the London Stadium.
Graham Potter tells West Ham he wants to sign Jonathan David
The tactician is also set to have a major say on West Ham’s transfer plans before the 2025/2026 season, and it is believed that he’s a massive fan of Lille star Jonathan David.
The Canada international, who’s racked up an impressive career total of 175 goals for club and country combined, is set to be a free agent at the end of the season and will be one of the bargains of the summer.
Niclas Füllkrug’s torrid injury record, combined with Michail Antonio’s long-term absence and Danny Ings’ imminent exit, means it is imperative for the Irons to sign a new centre-forward this summer, especially given they have no option to buy in their deal for Evan Ferguson.
According to GiveMeSport, Potter has made it clear to West Ham that he wants David, but they face very stiff competition for the forward, as Arsenal and Barcelona are also contending for his signature.
As things stand, it is unlikely they’ll win the race, but another interesting aspect of this story is that “influential figures” at West Ham once “passed up” the opportunity to sign David – which they’re surely now regretting.
The 25-year-old is one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, and he’s proved that in big Champions League encounters this season against the likes of Real Madrid, making it curious as to why West Ham were previously not keen.
If they cannot strike an agreement with David, it is also believed that West Ham are very interested in Fenerbache striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who’s enjoying a prolific campaign in the Turkish Süper Lig.
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