Deal Done; West Ham agree personal terms with game-changing second signing as AC Milan admit defeat
West Ham Agree Terms with Key Signing, Beating AC Milan to the Punch
Following the capture of promising young striker Daniel Cummings, West Ham United have now agreed personal terms with a second major signing—clinching the deal ahead of AC Milan.
Strengthening the attack and midfield has been a top priority for West Ham this summer. Manager Graham Potter is aiming to bring in at least two forwards and completely revamp an ageing, sluggish midfield.
To fund these changes, the club is preparing a number of player sales, with a significant update also emerging regarding Mohammed Kudus. Three Premier League clubs have shown interest in the Ghanaian star, and West Ham are now awaiting formal bids.
Early Transfer Activity Underway
With Kudus and several others expected to depart, West Ham anticipate a substantial influx of funds. Six players have already left the club, and Michail Antonio may follow soon, clearing additional space.
Potter is targeting at least five new signings as part of his plan to rebuild the squad around young, dynamic talent. He also intends to reduce the senior squad from 26 players to a more streamlined group of 19–20, better suited for a non-European campaign.
Following the final match of the season at Ipswich, Potter hinted at an ambitious transfer window. He praised head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay for his efforts and confirmed that both he and club chairman David Sullivan are fully engaged in the summer rebuild—even during his family holiday.
The first arrival, Daniel Cummings from Celtic, is confirmed and set to join the first-team squad.
Onyedika Set to Follow
West Ham have now agreed personal terms with their top midfield target, Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge, with AC Milan reportedly pulling out of the race due to the fee.
Onyedika, a Nigerian defensive midfielder, has two years remaining on his contract and is not expected to sign an extension. Brugge are prepared to sell and have already lined up his replacement, prompting several clubs—including Milan—to express interest.
However, West Ham have moved quickly. A source from Onyedika’s agency, CAA Stellar, told AfricaFoot that the player is eager to join the Premier League and has already agreed terms with the Hammers.
Talks are underway between West Ham and Club Brugge to finalise a transfer, with a fee of around £20 million under discussion—more than Milan were willing to pay.
Midfield Reinforcement Within Reach
Onyedika joined Club Brugge in 2022 from FC Midtjylland—coincidentally, the same club that once produced former West Ham defender Winston Reid. Since then, Onyedika has made 141 appearances, including 52 last season alone.
Known for his defensive discipline and ability to control the tempo from deep midfield, he has tallied six goals and four assists. However, his primary strengths lie in breaking up play and anchoring the midfield.
Now, it’s up to David Sullivan to finalise the deal and deliver Onyedika for Potter, potentially marking a strong start to what looks to be a transformative summer for West Ham.
The transfer window officially opens on Sunday, June 1.
