Monday night’s Premier League trip to Everton could potentially see Soungoutou Magassa partner Mateus Fernandes at the heart of the West Ham United midfield for the very first time.
Now, that new-look partnership is likely to come too late to save Graham Potter’s skin – further defeats against Everton and Arsenal will surely see a change in manager over the October international break – but at least the days of a James Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodriguez midfield are surely now a thing of the past.
Of course, nothing can ever be discounted when it comes to Potter’s team selection. Ward-Prowse has barely made a meaningful contribution in any of his six appearances so far in 2024/25, but the much-maligned England international has still played 506 of a possible 540 minutes across all competitions.
Potter continues to omit pre-season star Freddie Potts, too, despite Tomas Soucek’s suspension and Rodriguez’s clear lack of Premier League pedigree.
At least, whoever takes his job will inherit the raw potential of Fernandes and Magassa. A pairing with the energy, physicality and aggression so clearly missing from the rest of Potter’s options.
Fernandes and Magassa joined on the same August afternoon, meaning West Ham dropped their interest in Aleix Garcia of Bayer Leverkusen.
Now, speaking to Sport, the Spain international insists that he was a lot less tempted by a London Stadium switch than either Fernandes or Magassa proved to be.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty ImagesBayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia confirms West Ham United ‘interest’
Hammers News were informed that Aleix Garcia was added to Graham Potter’s shortlist with a fortnight to go in the summer window.
A former Manchester City youngster, Garcia was labelled an ‘outstanding’ talent by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. But it was back home in Spain where he really blossomed into a top European playmaker.
Garcia inspired Girona to Champions League qualification before making a £15 million move to then-Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2024.
The late-blooming 28-year-old now explains that, having been bitten by the UCL bug last season, Garcia had little interest trading in clashes with PSG and former employers Man City for a potential relegation battle at West Ham.
“There was interest and some conversations [with the Hammers],” Garcia admits. “But if it didn’t happen, it’s because it wasn’t meant to be.
“For me, the Champions League is key. I’ve worked hard, and competing for it was the most important thing. [West Ham] was an interesting option, but I’m comfortable where I am.
“So, for now, nothing. I’m very happy here.”
While West Ham are looking for only a second win of the new season away at Everton, Leverkusen are aiming to bounce back after a poor start of their own. Former Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand is now in charge, following the extremely short-lived Erik ten Hag era.
“[My aim is] to be at the top, competing for everything, and see if we can win the league,” Garcia adds. “It’s complicated because Bayern are very strong, but this is football and anything can happen. We have a great team.
“In the Cup, we know it’s difficult, although there are always surprises. It’s the same in the Champions League. We’re a young team, with joy and a lot of football, and the plan is to go as far as possible in all competitions.”
According to French publication Le10 Sport, West Ham made a bid for Rennes’ Djaoui Cisse before signing both Fernandes and Magassa. They reportedly offered £19 million, rising to nearly £23 million with add-ons.