There is no debate as far as I’m concerned, West Ham United’s main priority this summer should be adding some real power and energy to our engine room.
Graham Potter made one signing in January in the form of Evan Ferguson, and he brought James Ward-Prowse back to West Ham as well.
The upcoming summer window will be crucial if Potter is to achieve success at the London Stadium, and he’s apparently planning a big squad revamp.
That’s exactly what this tired and ageing group of players need.
In my opinion, only 12 senior players will survive the Potter summer cull.
And the most important job for Potter will be to bring in a powerful, box-to-box central midfielder.
We desperately lack any kind of stamina or athleticism in the middle of the park.
That could all be about to change though…
Graham Potter wants to bring perfect midfielder to West Ham
Signing a central midfielder with power and pace will surely be right at the top of Potter’s agenda this summer.
And the good news, it seems like that is indeed the case.
According to a report from Caught Offside, the Hammers are eyeing up a summer move for the perfect midfielder for us – Richard Rios.
However, there are two problems.
Firstly, Tottenham want to sign Rios as well, and secondly, he has an £83 million release clause inserted into his contract with Palmeiras.
We obviously won’t be paying anything like that for the midfielder, but I’m sure Palmeiras will be willing to accept far less than that amount.
West Ham have been chasing the Colombia international for a while now, and it’s little wonder as to why – he’s a truly brilliant box-to-box midfielder.
The Hammers dealt with Palmeiras recently, when we signed Luis Guilherme in the summer, so we should have fairly open avenues of communication with them already.
Richard Rios is perfect for West Ham
We haven’t had a powerful, energetic and athletic ball-carrier in our midfield since Declan Rice left to join Arsenal in the summer of 2023.
The Colombian could change all of that in an instant though, what with his raw power and outstanding stamina.
Rios is an exceptional dribbler, and he possesses impeccably tight ball control.
Standing at 6ft 2in tall with energy, power, dynamism and athleticism in abundance, he can beat the opposition’s press with ease.
The Colombia international clearly possesses the physical attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.
He’s extremely tenacious and aggressive in the tackle as well.
Whether or not West Ham are able to beat the likes of Tottenham to the 25-year-old’s signature in the summer transfer window remans to be seen though.
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