Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 13 April 2026 9:00, UK

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Freddie Potts doesn’t appear to be part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans as West Ham United plan for the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old academy graduate’s return from loan was greeted with a lot of positivity, but it appears many at the London Stadium believe he’s not yet ready for a senior role with the Hammers.

Potts has only started 12 of the Irons’ 21 Premier League games this season, even being hooked at half-time of his last two starts across all competitions. It’s been difficult, to say the least.

Things could be about to get even more difficult for the young midfielder, as West Ham’s transfer plans take shape, with Premier League survival becoming more and more likely with each passing game.

Freddie Potts could easily be replaced by Marc Casado

West Ham have already been backed to sign Axel Disasi permanently from Chelsea, and following their 4-0 win over Wolves and Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, hopes of Premier League safety are growing.

Keeping the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes this summer all rests on the Hammers staying in the division. That outcome is becoming increasingly likely.

It is also understood, as per TuttoMercatoWeb (10 April), that those behind the scenes are keeping tabs on Barcelona’s Marc Casado amid an uncertain future at the Camp Nou.

The midfielder, who plays a similar role to Potts under Hansi Flick, could be sold due to financial reasons at the end of the season, and it would appear that West Ham are at the front of the queue for his signature.

What does Potts’ future hold at West Ham?

Potts is currently contracted at the London Stadium until the summer of 2029, having put pen to paper on a new deal in March 2026.

If reports are to be believed, the 22-year-old is earning £15,000-a-week, racking up to £780,000-a-year, and that is the kind of money that the Hammers need to get off the books ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Potts’ red card against Burton Albion in the FA Cup summarised perfectly why Nuno just can’t trust him in the centre of the park, and he has barely featured since that frustrating moment.

Casado, 22, is far more talented than West Ham’s academy graduate, also gaining Champions League minutes over the last couple of years. He’d be the perfect replacement this summer.