Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 29 May 2026 19:00, UK

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Freddie Potts is set to play a prominent role in West Ham United’s midfield next season as they attempt to achieve instant promotion back to the Premier League.

The Hammers were relegated last week despite beating Leeds United 3-0 at the London Stadium, with Everton losing to Tottenham in North London.

The coming weeks should see West Ham’s squad largely pulled apart, although Nuno Espirito Santo is set to stay alongside several younger players.

Question marks remain over the likes of Jarrod Bowen, while Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville and many others are expected to seek an instant exit.

West Ham’s Championship squad will likely be built on the backs of the likes of Potts and Oliver Scarles, who emerged as strong options in the Premier League.

Freddie Potts’s time at Portsmouth has prepared him to lead West Ham

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider this week that Fernandes could be sold for more than £65million this summer amid interest from Arsenal and PSG, among others.

The midfielder only arrived last summer and enjoyed a strong season, despite ultimately failing to keep West Ham in the league.

While the 21-year-old is set to leave, there are still questions hanging over the heads of Tomas Soucek and Soungoutou Magassa.

The same cannot be said of Potts, however, who is set to play a key role in West Ham’s midfield next season.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a strong period in the team this season and will go into the next campaign having benefitted from a full season of Championship football with Portsmouth in the 2024-25 campaign.

💙 "From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

🎙️ Last week, we sat down with Freddie Potts to reflect on his loan spell in PO4.

🎬 Log in and watch on #Pompey+.

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) May 9, 2025

There, he made 37 appearances in the second tier and became a fan favourite at Fratton Park, leaving Pompey fans desperate for a second consecutive loan when he returned to West Ham.

What Potts said after leaving Portsmouth

Potts’ loan to Portsmouth followed a loan in League One with Wycombe Wanderers, with the midfielder remarkably already having well over 100 senior appearances under his belt at the age of 22.

That experience has brought a maturity to his game that will be hugely valuable for the Hammers as they attempt to come back up next season.

“It’s been a season that I definitely won’t forget. I’ve got better and better as it’s gone on – as have the team,” Potts said after leaving Portsmouth last season.

⏮️ Last time out at Loftus Road.

🎯 A first #Pompey goal for Freddie Potts. pic.twitter.com/V393QLBpsV

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) March 19, 2026

“The main target was for the club to stay in the Championship and that’s what we’ve done, so it’s been successful.”

“I’ve developed a lot both on and off the pitch – this whole journey has been one that’s really good for me,” he added. “I wanted to play as many games as possible, but also show people my ability and that I could play at this level at least.”