Family fortunes for West Ham as loved ones of two stars have big say after bids. West Ham have made moves for two top stars ahead of the summer window but their families are having a big say. Graham Potter and West Ham’s new head of recruitment Kyle Macauley are planning a midfield overhaul this summer.
The middle of the park has been West Ham’s biggest problem for some time now. The Hammers failed to adequately replace Declan Rice.
In fact West Ham went from having one of the most powerful, dynamic and athletic midfielders in world football to slow, plodding one-dimensional players who don’t complement each other at all.
A recent report from The Athletic claimed Potter has identified midfield as the area most in need of attention. It seems work is already underway to make big improvements.
The Hammers were linked with Sunderland’s England Under 18 star Chris Rigg during the January window. In the end attacking midfielder Rigg remained with the promotion-chasing Black Cats.
West Ham remain interested in the 17-year-old, who has been a sensation in the Championship over the last two seasons. Family fortunes for West Ham after bids. Claret and Hugh and Give Me Sport are reporting that Rigg is still very much on the Hammers’ radar for the summer window.
The problem for West Ham is that both Man United and Chelsea have also been linked.
Rigg is not the only midfielder being linked with a move to the London Stadium, though. West Ham have long been linked with England midfielder Angel Gomes.
The Hammers have been talking to the representatives of versatile Lille midfielder Gomes. Journalist Graeme Bailey previously revealed Graham Potter asked West Ham’s owners to bring him Gomes.
Gomes is available on a free transfer this summer. Bailey claimed Sullivan has been pushing to give Gomes what he wants.
But given his status as a free agent, West Ham aren’t the only club in the mix. Now it’s a case of family fortunes for West Ham as the loved ones of the two stars have a big say after bids.
The Rigg reports claim his family don’t want him to join the likes of Man United or Chelsea as it could hamper his progress. Loved ones of two Hammers targets have big say
Rigg’s family believe he will end up as back-up at best at those clubs.
After a truly breakthrough season with Sunderland, Rigg’s family have made it clear they want him to join West Ham.
And the Hammers have actually been offered the player with the final decision down to Potter and Macauley.
While Rigg’s family are pushing him towards West Ham, it seems to be quite the opposite with Gomes.
Gomes passed up the opportunity to sign a pre-contract agreement with any potential suitors in January.
The player had been represented by his family, who remain highly influential in his career, until last month.
Gomes then switched to the ROOF agency.
West Ham ‘step away’ from Gomes deal for now
Hammers News understands West Ham were one of few clubs that actually made an offer to Gomes in the hope of getting their ducks in a row for the summer.
But Gomes’ family and representatives were clearly not convinced – as they have not heard back.
As a result West Ham’s de facto technical director and majority owner, David Sullivan, has stepped away from the deal for now, Bailey has told Hammers News.
While the deal is not dead, West Ham’s board have left the ball in the player’s court.
“West Ham are one of a number of clubs who have been talking to Gomes but not too many have made firm offers,” Bailey told Hammers News.
“West Ham wanted an answer and that has not be forthcoming, so they have stepped away.
“They may return but will take the player’s camp coming back to them. “I don’t believe West Ham’s offer will be increased but the one they have made is very good.”
