‘Graham Potter to revisit old Steidten targets’ ran the Claret and Hugh headline back in February, as West Ham’s lack of winter signings was processed by the club’s critics and supporters alike.
Potter confirmed then that he would be looking afresh at West Ham’s former technical director Tim Steidten’s crib sheet and scouting reports to try and resurrect a Hammers shortlist for the summer rebuild.
On that list was Rayan Cherki, confirmed by nytimes.com/athletic in November, “Cherki has been on West Ham’s radar since December 2023. The 21-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2026. This season he has scored three goals and registered three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions.” Cherki gave a stark reminder of his skills to anyone who was listening on Friday night with France’s under 21’s running rings around England in a 5-3 victory.
We have to hope Graham Potter was amongst those who picked up on the French midfielder’s message load and clear: He’s been described as the ‘new Hazard’ for good reason.
Rayan Cherki – Paquetá’s eventual successor in the midfield magician department?
West Ham’s summer wish list looks infinitely more realistic with Ezechiel Banzuzi and Cherki talking prime spots, instead of the pretty hopeless pursuit of Angel Gomes or the massively over priced Richard Rios with his £80 million release clause.
It does look as though West Ham have woken up, smelt the coffee and moved on to targets that are within both the budget and expectations. The outcome of Lucas Paquetá’s FA hearing can’t be ignored, however much the club and supporters hope for a positive outcome, the club has to plan for all contingencies: A new recruit to the Hammers midfield offering creativity and pace is just what the doctor ordered.
It might not be quite Paquetá 2.0 but the addition of either in June would take Graham Potter’s squad away from the midfield ‘barren wastelands’ created by Lopetegui and Steidten last summer.
And – shock, horror, it’ll be a more entertaining ‘watch’ for fans too.
