The bold West Ham and Brighton transfer swap deal that could spark an intriguing Graham Potter reunion
Both West Ham and Brighton are looking to bolster their defensive options in the summer
West Ham United are currently experiencing a season to forget in the Premier League. They are 17th in the table, have the fifth lowest goal tally of any team in the division and look destined to record their worst league finish since returning to the top-flight under Sam Allardyce in 2012. They are yet to experience a new manager bounce under Graham Potter after Julen Lopetegui’s disappointing 22-game stint in the dugout, and have won three of their 13 matches since giving the former Chelsea boss the job in January.
The Hammers can rest easy knowing their Premier League status is essentially secured due to the disparity between the established side and the disappointing performance of the relegated trio. But after spending more than £100m on new recruits in the summer, performances on the field are simply not acceptable, and Potter will be under immediate pressure in the summer window to ensure there are new recruits and a fast start to the new season. As such West Ham have been linked with a whole host of new stars to try and get the team back on track and defence in particular is expected to be an area where Potter focuses his attention.
West Ham target Adam Webster
Graham Potter has enjoyed the best stint of his managerial career in England so far with Brighton and it’s natural that the newspapers are going to link him with several stars from the Amex Stadium, particularly with one deal taking place between the two teams in January, with Evan Ferguson arriving in the capital on loan. Next on Potter’s list of Seagulls targeted is suspected to be Adam Webster, according to the West Ham Zone.
Potter notably brought Webster to the south coast from Bristol City in 2019 for £20m in what was then a club-record deal for the club. Throughout Webster's debut season for Brighton he kept his competition in Shane Duffy out of the starting line-up on a regular basis, starting in all 31 league appearances he played in, forming a solid partnership with Lewis Dunk and helping the team to a commendable 15th place finish. He remained a regular throughout Potter’s time with the club and over the next two years helped the team to a 16th place finish and an impressive ninth place finish which at the time was the team’s highest ever league position.
Webster was hailed for his composure in possession, his leadership and defensive awareness and under Roberto de Zerbi continued to thrive as the team qualified for Europe by finishing sixth. However, over the past two seasons he’s found first team football harder to come by despite gaining experience in the Europa League and is not thought to be part of Fabian Hurzeler’s long-term plans as he approaches the final year of his contract.
The intriguing swap deal Brighton could look to strike
Fabian Hurzeler prides himself on playing a high line and could look to shake up the defence with a move for a combative defender in Konstantinos Mavropanos. The Greek international has been linked with a move away from West Ham in recent windows and is not thought to be a part of Graham Potter’s plans, according to Hammers Chat West Ham Forum.
With Mavropanos under contract until 2028 and seemingly more suited to Hurzeler’s brand of football it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the Seagulls could put forward a small bid for the 28-year-old while offering 30-year-old Webster in the final year of his contract, as a makeweight as part of the deal. The move would arguably suit both players and manager as they try to implement their brand of football on their respective teams.