Credit: Imago / Hasan Karim - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Tue 13 May 2025 15:16, UK

West Ham are currently being circled by Leeds United and Everton in an attempt to seal a free transfer this summer.

Graham Potter could open the West Ham exit doors to a total of 15 first-team players once the 2024/25 campaign ends, with the Hammers struggling to gain a foothold in any competitions.

A major overhaul is heavily expected at the London Stadium, and rival Premier League teams are preparing to pounce, with just weeks remaining until the summer transfer window swings open.

The Friedkin Group‘s takeover on Merseyside has gotten fans extremely excited for the future, and so too has David Moyes’ return, having lost just five of his 18 matches in charge since replacing Sean Dyche.

Leeds, on the other hand, will be keen to remain in the Premier League after securing automatic promotion, and Daniel Farke can avoid similar experiences in the division with far more experience in his squad.

While the teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to targets for next season, both have come knocking at the London Stadium ahead of the summer transfer window.

Vladimir Coufal preparing for West Ham exit

According to talkSPORT (13 May), Leeds and Everton are amongst clubs keeping tabs on Vladimir Coufal, whose current deal at the London Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season.

The club have already announced the decision to part ways with the 32-year-old, with Moyes a huge admirer of the player after bringing him to East London during his time with the Hammers.

Leeds, who won automatic promotion back to the Premier League in dramatic style, could face competition from Fulham, too, who had several bids rejected for the defender in the winter.

Coufal is believed to be settled in London, with his son recently signing for the Hammers’ academy, and the player would prefer to stay in England as the search for a new club commences.

Graham Potter to rebuild Hammers squad this summer

Football Insider verdict

Coufal is joined by Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings, and Aaron Cresswell, who are all leaving as free agents at the end of the season, but the exits are unlikely to stop there.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that Mohammed Kudus could quit West Ham to join Liverpool, with concerns also emerging over Jarrod Bowen’s future at the London Stadium.

With just four wins from his first 17 matches in charge in East London, Potter has already come under immense pressure from West Ham fans, with many turning on the former Brighton and Chelsea figure.

If the 49-year-old gets the backing of David Sullivan and brings a number of high-profile names to the club to strengthen the current squad, there is no reason why he cannot turn his fortunes around.

Guido Rodriguez, Edson Alvarez, and Konstantinos Mavropanos are all seen as deadweight ahead of the summer transfer window, but Leeds and Everton are keeping their eyes on a free transfer instead.