Only one player departure was detected in this period. German striker Niclas Füllkrug has left West Ham United on a season-long loan to return to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
A significant ownership development for West Ham United was detected in this period. A consortium led by Amanda Staveley is close to acquiring a 25% stake in the club for £150 million, with plans to eventually seek majority control. The deal aims to return the relegated Championship side to the Premier League and invest heavily, though existing shareholder Daniel Kretinsky's pre-emption rights introduce uncertainty.
Only one transfer development indirectly linked to West Ham United was detected in this period. Portuguese midfielder Gustavo Sá has joined Nottingham Forest for €20 million and been immediately loaned to Olympiacos, a deal that was previously close to West Ham but ultimately did not materialize. The move primarily reflects player movement within Evangelos Marinakis's multi-club network and has no direct bearing on West Ham's current squad or operations.
German striker Niclas Füllkrug, 33, has rejoined Werder Bremen on a one-year loan from West Ham United with no purchase option. After struggling at West Ham (relegated from the Premier League) and AC Milan, scoring only four goals in 46 appearances due to injuries, Füllkrug accepted a significant pay cut to return to his former club. Bremen hopes his familiarity, physicality, and leadership will boost their attack after scoring the fewest goals in the Bundesliga last season.
A consortium led by Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi is close to acquiring a 25% stake in West Ham United from Vanessa Gold for up to £150 million. The group, backed by US and Far East investors, may later seek majority control by buying David Sullivan’s shares. The deal includes plans to return the relegated Championship club to the Premier League, invest heavily in players, and potentially redevelop the London Stadium. However, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky holds pre-emption rights and has already agreed to increase his stake.
One development involving a former West Ham United player was detected in this period. Former Hammers striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernández has joined USL Championship expansion side Atlético Dallas as their first-ever player. The event has no direct link to West Ham's current competitive or transfer activities and represents a later chapter in the player's individual career.
Only one indirectly related transfer development was detected for West Ham United in this period. Former Fortuna Düsseldorf winger Emmanuel Iyoha joined 1. FC Magdeburg on a free transfer, with no direct link to West Ham. The event was likely matched due to the player's past affiliations or market rumors, but it involves no incoming, outgoing, or competitive changes for the club.
Portuguese midfielder Gustavo Sá, captain of Famalicão, is being transferred to Nottingham Forest for a fixed €20 million fee, then immediately loaned to Olympiacos. Both clubs are owned by Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis, highlighting the multi-club ownership model. Sá left Famalicão’s training camp in Italy to join Forest’s camp in Portugal. The deal follows a similar precedent with David Carmo and was previously close to West Ham United.
German striker Niclas Füllkrug, 33, has rejoined Werder Bremen on a one-year loan from West Ham United with no purchase option. After struggling at West Ham (relegated from the Premier League) and AC Milan, scoring only four goals in 46 appearances due to injuries, Füllkrug accepted a significant pay cut to return to his former club. Bremen hopes his familiarity, physicality, and leadership will boost their attack after scoring the fewest goals in the Bundesliga last season.
A consortium led by Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi is close to acquiring a 25% stake in West Ham United from Vanessa Gold for up to £150 million. The group, backed by US and Far East investors, may later seek majority control by buying David Sullivan’s shares. The deal includes plans to return the relegated Championship club to the Premier League, invest heavily in players, and potentially redevelop the London Stadium. However, Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky holds pre-emption rights and has already agreed to increase his stake.
1. FC Magdeburg (FCM) hosts English Premier League side West Ham United at the Avnet Arena on July 30, 2026, for a season-opening friendly. The match marks the 60th anniversary of their European Cup Winners' Cup quarterfinal clash, which West Ham won. FCM will honor former players from that era, including Wolfgang Seguin and Jürgen Sparwasser. West Ham, recently relegated from the Premier League, uses the game as a dress rehearsal for their Carabao Cup opener against Portsmouth on August 8. For FCM, it is a final test before their second-division season begins against Braunschweig. Striker Emmanuel Iyoha expressed excitement about facing a physical international opponent. A fan program starts at 12:30 PM, and the entire FCM squad will sign autographs after the match.
Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Tottenham Hotspur’s £85 million signing from West Ham, scored a spectacular volley just three minutes into his debut in a pre-season friendly against MK Dons. The 22-year-old’s powerful right-footed strike from outside the box secured a 1-0 win at Hotspur Way. Fernandes called it the best goal of his career, boosting excitement ahead of the Premier League season under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has clarified that midfielder Mateus Fernandes was absent from the pre-season friendly against Sydney FC due to calf fatigue, not a serious injury. Fernandes, a £85 million summer signing from West Ham United, was held out as a precaution after an intensive training schedule. De Zerbi confirmed in a post-match press conference that the 22-year-old Portuguese playmaker will rejoin full training when the squad returns to London on Wednesday, ensuring he is on track for the Premier League opener against Brentford on August 22. The decision reflects De Zerbi's strategy of prioritizing player conditioning and injury prevention during the pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand.
West Ham United are reportedly pursuing a transfer for Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon, according to Sport5. The 27-year-old Israeli international spent the last two seasons on loan and is not part of Tottenham's plans for the upcoming campaign. West Ham need to replace Crysencio Summerville, who has left the club. Solomon previously impressed in the Championship with Leeds United, recording 22 goal contributions in 39 league matches. Tottenham had an option for Solomon to be signed permanently for €10 million, a fee West Ham can afford. Solomon is currently on Tottenham's pre-season tour, and negotiations are ongoing. The move could provide Solomon with regular playing time in a league he knows well.
Newcastle United, a WSL 2 side, have signed Scotland international forward Martha Thomas from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee. The 30-year-old scored 13 goals in 66 appearances over three years at Spurs and spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool. Thomas has also played for Manchester United and West Ham in the Women's Super League. She expressed excitement about joining a big club and emphasized the importance of team culture. Newcastle finished sixth in WSL 2 last season after failing to win any of their final six games. This summer, leading scorer Emily Murphy left for Brighton, but Newcastle have brought in nine new players. Manager Tanya Oxtoby praised Thomas as a proven striker with outstanding work-rate and the ability to score various types of goals.
Wrexham, co-owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, face Liverpool in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium, marking a remarkable rise from the National League to the Championship in five years. Despite missing out on the Championship playoffs on the final day of the 2025-26 season, manager Phil Parkinson views finishing seventh in their first Championship season as a significant achievement. The club has been promoted three times in four years and is among the favorites for promotion next season, though they are the only Championship club yet to make a signing. A deal for Crystal Palace full-back Danny Imray is close. Parkinson acknowledges the division will be stronger with relegated teams like West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves, and stresses the need for several more signings to remain competitive.
West Ham United has firmly rejected a lowball transfer bid from Brentford for 21-year-old Senegalese left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf. According to talkSPORT, Brentford's offer, estimated between £15 million and £18 million, was well below West Ham's valuation. Diouf, who joined West Ham from Slavia Prague for £19-22 million, had an outstanding debut Premier League season with 32 appearances, 5 assists, 25 chance-creating passes, and 183 clearances. He also represented Senegal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. West Ham considers Diouf a cornerstone of manager Nuno Espírito Santo's plans for the 2026/27 season and has no intention of selling at a loss.
West Ham United striker Taty Castellanos has reportedly told the club he wants to leave following their relegation to the Championship. The 27-year-old Argentina international, who joined from Lazio in January 2026 for €29 million, has no intention of playing in England's second tier and is prioritizing a return to La Liga. Spanish outlet Vamos Mi Sevilla FC reports that Sevilla and Real Betis are both pursuing the forward, setting up a transfer battle between the Andalusian rivals. Castellanos scored six Premier League goals in 18 appearances for West Ham but could not prevent relegation. A loan deal with an option or obligation to buy is considered the most likely structure, as West Ham is reluctant to take a significant financial loss. Castellanos' departure would follow other high-profile exits, including Mateus Fernandes' £85m move to Tottenham and Crysencio Summerville's £65m transfer to Al-Hilal.
1. FC Magdeburg signed free agent winger Emmanuel Iyoha (28) from relegated Fortuna Düsseldorf, adding a veteran with over 200 second-division appearances. Iyoha debuted in a 4-0 friendly win and later scored in a 2-0 victory over SC Paderborn, as coach Petrik Sander plans to convert him back to striker. He becomes the club’s ninth summer signing, reinforcing offensive wing options.
Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41. The announcement was made via a social media post on Saturday, where he expressed gratitude to coaches, teammates, and family. Fabianski began his career at Lech Poznan in 2004/05, later moving to Legia Warsaw, Arsenal, Swansea City, and West Ham United. At West Ham, he was coached by Portuguese manager Nuno Espírito Santo during the 2025/26 season. Over his career, he played 516 official matches, including 58 for the Polish national team. He won three major titles: the Polish league with Legia Warsaw (2005/06), the FA Cup with Arsenal (2013/14), and the Europa Conference League with West Ham (2022/23). His farewell message highlighted the lessons learned from victories, defeats, injuries, and recoveries throughout his long career.
The article details the upcoming pre-season friendly between Rangers and West Ham United at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, scheduled for Sunday at 4pm BST. It notes that there is no live television broadcast of the match on traditional UK channels. However, fans can watch the game live by purchasing a digital match pass on the official Rangers TV or West Ham TV streaming platforms. Post-match highlights will be available on the clubs' YouTube channels. The article also mentions the head-to-head record, with Rangers holding two wins against West Ham, including a 3-2 victory in 1979 and a 3-1 win in their last pre-season meeting in July 2022.
In a pre-season test match, second-division side 1. FC Magdeburg delivered a surprisingly dominant performance against Bundesliga promoted team SC Paderborn, winning 2-0 away. Emmanuel Iyoha opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a fine curler, and substitute Paul Jaeckel headed in a free-kick from Torben Müsel in the 66th minute to seal the victory. Coach Petrik Sander praised the team's performance, noting the goal's importance for Iyoha's confidence and integration. Magdeburg created several other chances, with Tachie and Hyryläinen missing opportunities to extend the lead. The team was without Falko Michel (foot injury), Lubambo Musonda (flu), and Daniel Heber (knee problems), but still impressed. Fans are now looking ahead to the season dress rehearsal against Premier League side West Ham United next Saturday.
Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, 41, announced his retirement from professional football after a 22-year career. He played for clubs including Lech Poznan, Legia Warsaw, Arsenal, Swansea City, and West Ham United, making 516 club appearances and 376 Premier League matches—the most by any Polish player in Premier League history. His honors include the Polish league title with Legia Warsaw, the FA Cup with Arsenal, and the UEFA Europa Conference League with West Ham in 2022-23. Internationally, he earned 57 caps for Poland, playing in two World Cups and three European Championships. In his retirement statement, Fabianski expressed gratitude to coaches, teammates, fans, and family, and stated his intention to give back to football by mentoring the next generation of goalkeepers.
Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, 24, has been sold by relegated Premier League club West Ham United to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a deal worth £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons (totaling over €70 million). Despite earlier bids from AS Roma (up to €47 million) and interest from Manchester United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, Al-Hilal secured the transfer. Summerville, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup, will undergo a medical and sign a long-term contract.
Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, 24, is a top transfer target for Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and PSG after strong 2026 World Cup performances for the Netherlands. West Ham, relegated from the Premier League, values him at £50 million. United’s interest depends on Marcus Rashford’s future. Summerville missed a penalty in the Netherlands’ shock round-of-32 exit to Morocco, potentially accelerating a deal.
Plans for a £130 million refurbishment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London have been approved. The project will revamp the 25,000-capacity athletics arena, making it the 12th largest stadium in London and the second largest track and field venue after the London Stadium. The renovation includes a new swimming and diving pool, a padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Liam Conlon praised the investment, noting the site's historic role as the 'spiritual home of UK Athletics' where world records were set by athletes like Sebastian Coe and Usain Bolt. The stadium could also host WSL side London City Lionesses. The project aims to revitalize the run-down facility and inspire future Olympians.
Plans for a £130 million refurbishment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London have been approved. The project will renovate the 25,000-capacity athletics arena, making it the 12th largest stadium in London and the second largest track and field venue after the London Stadium. The refurbishment includes a revamped swimming and diving pool, a padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Liam Conlon praised the project as a major investment for the area, aiming to revive the historic site that once hosted world records by athletes like Sebastian Coe, Usain Bolt, and Elena Isinbaeva. There have been reports that WSL side London City Lionesses could relocate to the stadium.
Plans for a £130 million refurbishment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London have been approved. The project will renovate the 25,000-capacity athletics arena, making it the 12th largest stadium in London and the second largest track and field venue after the London Stadium. The refurbishment includes a revamped swimming and diving pool, a padel centre, 3x3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches, and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local MP Liam Conlon praised the project as a major investment for the area, aiming to revive the historic site as a hub for athletics and community sports. The stadium previously hosted World Athletics Tour and Diamond League events, with world records set by athletes like Sebastian Coe and Usain Bolt.
Laia Codina, a 26-year-old Spanish defender and 2023 World Cup winner, has left Arsenal after three trophy-laden years—including a Champions League and League Cup—to join West Ham United. She made 58 appearances for the Gunners but felt it was the right moment for a change. The primary reason for her move was the influence of West Ham manager Rita Guarino, who joined in December. Codina was impressed by Guarino's honesty and clear vision during their first conversation. West Ham, who finished 10th in the Women's Super League last season, are investing this summer, signing Codina, forward Ebony Salmon, and young talents Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing. Codina believes the club is building a recognizable, possession-based team that fans will be proud of. She has already begun pre-season training and is engaging with West Ham's foundation work in east London, emphasizing that football is about more than just winning.
Tottenham Hotspur's new £85 million signing Matheus Fernandes scored a spectacular volley from outside the box in the third minute to secure a 1-0 pre-season friendly win over League One side Milton Keynes Dons. Fernandes, who joined from West Ham United, described it as the best goal of his career. He started alongside fellow new signing Sandro Tonali, who cost a club-record £100 million. At halftime, manager Roberto De Zerbi made wholesale changes, with Richarlison captaining the second-half side. Richarlison had a goal disallowed for offside, and MK Dons also had a goal ruled out for a foul on new goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Tottenham will continue their pre-season tour in Australia and New Zealand, facing Auckland FC next.
According to Mundo Deportivo via Hupu, Brazilian winger Raphinha has rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal, prioritizing his place in Hansi Flick's plans at Barcelona. Al-Hilal subsequently pivoted to sign Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United for £55 million plus £10 million in add-ons, beating Roma to the deal. Raphinha, who endured an injury-hit season, believes he still has a future at Barcelona and wants to continue under Flick. His contract runs until June 2028, and Barcelona's management never sought to force his departure. Although Barcelona has strengthened its winger options with Anthony Gordon and is close to signing Karim Adeyemi and Bissouma, the club's priority was to retain Raphinha unless he requested a transfer. Summerville's move has removed the biggest uncertainty around Raphinha's future, temporarily ending one of the summer's largest potential transfer sagas.
According to Fabrizio Romano's YouTube podcast, Chelsea is actively pursuing the signing of Crystal Palace center-back Maxence Lacroix, with an agreement with the player largely in place and smooth progress between clubs. In related discussions, Crystal Palace verbally inquired about Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, who recently returned from a loan at West Ham. However, Disasi is reportedly considering other options, and the deal has not yet reached the player level. Additionally, Chelsea has finalized the signing of Valentin Barco, with all documents signed, pending official announcement. The report also notes Chelsea completed a loan-with-obligation-to-buy transfer of Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa.
Tottenham Hotspur began their 2026-27 pre-season with a 1-0 victory over League One side MK Dons at Hotspur Way. The match was decided by a stunning volley from new £85m signing Mateus Fernandes, who scored three minutes into his debut. Manager Roberto De Zerbi fielded 21 players across two halves, with new midfield partner Sandro Tonali also impressing in a controlled first-half display. Fernandes, signed from West Ham, expressed the goal was the best of his career. The second half saw a completely changed lineup, including goalkeeper Martin Dubravka making his debut, though Spurs lost some control. The article highlights the positive impact of new signings and the depth of the squad ahead of the new season.
Following West Ham United's relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2025/26 season, Italian giants Juventus are reportedly interested in signing French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus aim to exploit West Ham's financial vulnerability by securing Todibo on an initial loan deal. Todibo, who joined West Ham from OGC Nice in July 2025 for €42m, has a contract until 2027. His market value has dropped to €22.2m due to relegation. The article notes Todibo made 23 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, with one assist and five yellow cards, and was sidelined in March 2026 with a calf strain. The analysis questions whether a loan move makes sense for West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
According to a Daily Mail exclusive via Hupu, Arsenal's summer transfer strategy is marked by strict financial discipline, leading to missed opportunities. The club lost out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, who paid £117 million, after Arsenal refused to meet Aston Villa's valuation. Arsenal considers West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka at £25 million too expensive and values Villa's Ezri Konsa at only £30-35 million, far below Villa's £60 million asking price. With William Saliba needing 3-4 months rest, defensive reinforcements are critical. Other targets like Julian Alvarez, Bradley Barcola, and Ferran Torres are considered only if prices are right. Arsenal is also pursuing young talents Milo Bernard and Axel Dontchev.
West Ham United will face League One side Stevenage in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The match is part of West Ham's pre-season preparations. The article provides information on how to watch the game, including TV channel and live stream options. Sky Sports is highlighted as the primary broadcaster, with the Ultimate TV package including HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and other services. The article also includes affiliate links for purchasing Sky deals. Kick-off time and venue details are provided for fans.
The article recaps major football transfer activity during the Geopolitics World Cup period. Manchester City spent £116m on Elliot Anderson, Chelsea £117m on Morgan Rogers, and Tottenham £230m on squad revamp. Manchester United bought Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for £85m. Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, faces player departures including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté, with Iraola emphasizing retention of key players like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson. Chelsea posted a £355m loss but continues heavy spending, also selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid. The article also covers British/Irish clubs' poor performances in Bigger Cup qualifiers, Hearts' 4-0 loss to Sturm Graz, and Watford's new manager Alessio Dionisi. Manchester City's post-Guardiola era begins with Enzo Maresca and pre-season friendlies in Asia.
Moroccan international defender Issa Diop, 29, has joined newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town from Fulham for a fee of around €10 million (£8.5 million). Diop, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup, signed a four-year contract until 2030. He brings 173 Premier League appearances from stints at West Ham and Fulham. The move strengthens Ipswich’s defense as they prepare for the upcoming season.