Soungoutou Magassa has addressed claims that he could be on his way out of West Ham just five months after joining in a £17m move from Monaco.
Nuno Espirito Santo is doing a fine job of trying to turn West Ham around, but he’s making some baffling calls on the way to finding solutions.
The Hammers boss left fans bemused with left-field team selections for crucial games against Brentford and Leeds which completely backfired.
Those curve-balls were so bizarre it even sparked conspiracy theories Nuno was trying to get the sack just a couple of months after joining West Ham.
Nuno’s treatment of Magassa baffles at West Ham
That was a ludicrous suggestion of course and the Portuguese has since come to his senses as he rekindles the kind of team spirit, togetherness and resilience that were so important to the Irons during David Moyes’ tenure.
Results and performances have improved but Nuno is still capable of dropping the odd clanger.
Taking Callum Wilson off after just 51 minutes at Bournemouth, while on a hat-trick and with West Ham 2-0 up, allowed the Cherries to come back and draw 2-2.
One of the manager’s more peculiar decisions of late, though, has involved Soungoutou Magassa.
West Ham have wasted millions in the transfer market over the last few windows.
But the Hammers actually look like they have snapped up a bargain with the £17m signing of Magassa from Monaco.
Fans were seriously impressed by what they had seen of the Frenchman.
But supporters have been left puzzled by Nuno’s decision to rather harshly drop Magassa lately.
The France Under 21 star was one of West Ham’s better players during encouraging performances at Everton and Arsenal as he started Nuno’s first two games at the Hammers helm.
Magassa responds to claims he could leave West Ham
The defensive midfielder, who can also play centre-back, was dropped for damaging defeats to Brentford and Leeds and has barely been seen since.
When West Ham desperately needed some control of the game as Bournemouth laid siege to their goal, Nuno took off Mateus Fernandes but did not bring on Magassa.
The situation has many fans thinking Magassa may not be rated by Nuno.
That’s despite the fact Nottingham Forest were rivalling the Hammers for his signature when Nuno was in charge at the City Ground over the summer.
Now Magassa has responded to claims he could leave West Ham after just five months.
The 22-year-old has been the subject of growing rumours in recent weeks that he will leave to join defending Italian champions Napoli in January.
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Italian outlet Il Mattino have claimed Napoli are stepping up their interest in a short-term loan deal for Magassa ahead of the window.
It would represent seriously risky business if West Ham were to let Magassa leave just five months after joining the club in that £17m move from Monaco.
Nuno has settled on a midfield three of Lucas Paqueta, Freddie Potts and Mateus Fernandes of late.
But beyond that, West Ham’s options are limited and Magassa has really impressed in training.
From the player’s point of view, it is understandable he may want to leave.
After all he has played just 30 minutes in the last five matches.
But Magassa has now spoken out to set the record straight on his future.
Magassa wants to stay at West Ham amid Napoli links
His reaction will reassure many Hammers fans who have been frustrated by his lack of game time.
Because he very much wants to stay and is enjoying his time at the club so far.
“I’ve been welcomed by a very good team with a very good staff, and I’m very happy to be here at West Ham,” Magassa said on West Ham’s Instagram.
“Everyone has helped me on a daily basis. London has been good for me, and I’m working hard to adapt, improve and show the fans what I’m capable of.
“I feel very good. It’s a family club that has welcomed me very well… I’m taking English classes regularly and feel more confident, and I feel as if it’s going very well.
“I’m trying to improve and integrate as best I can.”
The Frenchman is not the only one who sees his future at the London Stadium.
Nuno made a big statement about Magassa’s place at West Ham in a recent interview.
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