West Ham United

The Premier League season is fast approaching and clubs are continuing their pre-season preparations.

Here's a look at some of the teams in action on a busy Saturday.

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West Ham are kicking off their final pre-season friendly against Celta Vigo shortly but here's a snap of the new third kit, released on Saturday morning.

The Hammers say it is "an embodiment of simple elegance" and is "a perfect accompaniment" to the home and away kits already unveiled this summer.

Image source, Getty Images

As Kurt Zouma closes in on a move to the UAE, Jean-Clair Todibo is set to undergo his medical in East London. How do they compare?

Todibo is already a well-travelled footballer at 24, having played in Spain, Germany, Portugal and his native France. It is since he joined Nice in 2021 that he finally settled in a side and started building his career at the top level.

It won't be easy for Todibo to replace Kurt Zouma. The 29 year-old had a successful three seasons at the London Stadium, helping to end the club's trophy drought with the Europa Conference League victory in 2023 and captaining the side after the departure of Declan Rice.

It could be argued that a centre-back is one of the more difficult positions to judge using stats, but the initial numbers look positive.

If Julen Lopetegui wants to get the Hammers playing a possession-based style of football, then Todibo's 90% pass accuracy in 2023-24 certainly looks more favourable than Zouma's 84%. Not only does Todibo beat Zouma in this stat, but he ranks higher than every other player in the Hammers squad.

Todibo was a lot busier than Zouma on the ground last season, making almost double the amount of tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes than his fellow Frenchman. Zouma was more active in the air, but Todibo, who stands at 6ft 3in, slightly edges him out on aerial success.

A lot of West Ham fans may be wondering if Todibo can make the step from French football to the Premier League. Hopefully the success of Lucas Paqueta, formerly of Lyon, will assure them that Todibo's success in the French league can be translated to English football.

It remains to be seen if Todibo can fill Zouma's boots, but the early signs are promising.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is due to have a medical with West Ham United today, amid continuing interest from Juventus.

Manchester United wanted to sign Todibo this summer but were blocked from doing so by Uefa due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's involvement with Nice, as it contravened their associated party transaction rules.

The 24-year-old former Barcelona defender has been coveted by many other European clubs and, given Juventus have qualified for the Champions League, it would be a major coup if West Ham could complete the transfer, which is still not completely certain.

The Hammers have been one of the more proactive clubs this summer, with technical director Tim Steidten keen to reshape the squad following David Moyes' departure.

If the deal happens, it would be an initial loan with a €40m (£34.22m) buy option.

Kurt Zouma's impending departure for the United Arab Emirates will create space on the wage bill, given he is one of the club's highest earners.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Right now, brinkmanship is the name of the game. There have been times when some clubs sorted their transfer business early in the window and everyone wondered why so few others followed their lead. Put simply, it isn't in the selling clubs' financial interest, and it usually isn't in the moving player's financial interest either, to go early.

A selling club wants a bidding war to up the price and they don't mind a bit of panic buying when the window is creaking ever nearer the sill. If you still haven't signed that star player who you think, hope or maybe even actually believe, will make all the difference, clubs can get twitchy and make rash costly decisions.

I have watched it happen from within. Good intentions and a willingness to stick to a pre-arranged budget, suddenly evaporates when clubs are bounced into making these calls. There is also a bit of pride in there too. "We aren't losing out on our first choice to that lot!" is a common refrain, especially when it's to one of your close rivals.

As for the moving player, or more specifically his agent, last-minute brinkmanship is the dream scenario. Playing two or three suitors off against each other (and you don't even have to tell the truth of what you are being offered elsewhere) means you can exaggerate as much as you like to up the ante.

So that is why the deals go to the wire, and why they are so lucrative. It is also why I never have too much sympathy for a player, when a huge deal falls through at the last moment. Greed can push it too far in the end and it can all come crashing down, which is why they call it brinkmanship! If you dance on the edge of a volcano you might just fall in.

West Ham are interested in England right-back Kieran Trippier, with the 33-year-old's future at Newcastle yet to be decided. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

West Ham are also keen on Chelsea's English defender Trevoh Chalobah, 26, and 35-year-old Germany centre-back Mats Hummels, who is a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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New West Ham signing Guido Rodriguez says he is "very hopeful and very motivated" ahead of his first experience of the Premier League.

Rodriguez, 30, spent four and ahalf years in La Liga with Real Betis before signing for the Hammers on a free transfer earlier this week.

During his time at Betis, he faced new West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui in the city derby against rivals Sevilla and is looking forward to working with the former Spain and Real Madrid boss.

Rodriguez told club media: "I was able to speak to him a little. We still haven't seen each other here but I think he's a great manager. He makes teams very competitive and that is the most important thing. That's what we need this season in the Premier League, we need to compete.

"Of course it gives me hope. I'm looking forward to performing well. I've been told he has an ambitious project, I know his teams are always looing to win.

"West Ham is a historic club in the Premier League and one that won a European tournament not so long ago. It's important that the club continues to grow and hopefully this year we can keep on growing. That's the most important thing."

Rodriguez boasts a personal trophy cabinet including two Copa Americas, a World Cup, a Copa del Rey, a Copa Libertadores and a Mexican league title - and wants to his experience to help the mindset within the squad at West Ham.

"I think that the key to winning is having a positive mindset," he added.

"You've got to train to win. I will give it my all in terms of effort and passion and not keep anything back in any matches or training.

"I'm very motivated and very hopeful. I'm really looking forward to this project. Until I signed I hadn't realised how much I wanted to play in the Premier League and to have this experience. I think we can achieve great things."

Brighton have made contact with former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who is a free agent. Hummels, 35, won the World Cup with Germany in 2014, although the Seagulls could face competition from West Ham. (Sky Sports), external

West Ham are willing to listen to offers for 32-year-old English forward Danny Ings. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, Uefa via Getty Images

New West Ham signing Niclas Fullkrug has broken down his style of play for Hammers fans, after joining from Borussia Dortmund earlier this week for £27m.

"I am a strong player, and that’s very important for me," the 31-year-old said in his first full interview, external with club media since signing.

"I am not only a strong player, but I also like to come into the number 10 position and come towards the ball.

"I am capable with both feet and have good aerial ability as well. These are my strengths, and I think in the last few seasons I have been able to show that I can assist as well. If I can turn in a good position, then it is difficult to defend against me.

"I think one of my biggest qualities is scoring goals, and the fact I am able to score with my left foot, right foot, and also my aerial ability."

Fullkrug has already pinpointed those in the West Ham squad he believes he can form a connection with, adding: "I hope for a lot of crosses, as last year I didn't get as many as I would've wanted, which meant I couldn't bring my strengths as perfectly as I wanted.

"We have a lot of good players on the pitch. We have Emerson, who runs up and down the line all the time, and James [Ward-Prowse], who has the best set pieces in the world. I'm very excited for the season ahead.

"The fans want to see a successful team, see a team that gives everything on the pitch, and I hope they will be happy with me as I always give my best."

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West Ham have signed Argentina midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at Real Betis.

Rodriguez, 30, started his career with hometown club River Plate before spells in Mexico with Tijuana and Club America.

He was part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America in 2019 and 2024.

"I'm very happy to be here," he said on joining the Hammers. "I feel like it's every footballer's dream to play in the Premier League and I was very excited when I heard that West Ham were interested in me.

"It's a historic club that has a really interesting project. I think it's the right club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing. I spoke to Edson [Alvarez] before signing and we're both really looking forward to working together again."

Technical director Tim Steidten added: "This is a massive moment for West Ham United in bringing a player of Guido's pedigree to the club. He is a player I have admired for a long time and we couldn't be happier to have completed the deal.

"Guido is a defensive midfielder whose intelligence in and out of possession is a real strength to his game. He is also a proven winner, having won the World Cup, Copa America and Finalissima with Argentina, so to have secured his services is a big statement of intent by the club."

Constantin Eckner
German football writer

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Niclas Fullkrug accepts the notion that he is a late bloomer, but he also likes to highlight how experience is more important to his game than youth.

The 31-year-old has joined West Ham from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £27m, which also includes potential add-ons.

Less than 12 months ago, Fullkrug joined Dortmund from Werder Bremen, where he had flourished in the previous two seasons.

While Fullkrug is a technically limited striker, he has found a way to be effective thanks to his stature and a good eye for goal-scoring opportunities in the box.

At a time when pure number nines are rare, he has attracted many suitors throughout the past few years and was called up to the Germany national team for the first time before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Fullkrug was also part of Germany's recent Euro 2024 campaign and Julian Nagelsmann used him as a substitute for Kai Havertz during the second half of games.

But though he might not always get the job done, fans tend to connect with Fullkrug easily, which - in part - stems from his down-to-earth personality.

He has earned the nickname 'Gap' because of his missing central incisor.

Other footballers would have replaced the tooth with an implant, but Fullkrug decided to carry the gap with a sense of carefreeness.

When he formed a partnership with fellow striker Marvin Ducksch for Werder Bremen, the duo dared to call themselves 'the ugly birds'.

Such little nuggets, coupled with the fact Fullkrug is a late bloomer who somehow became an internationally recognised striker, have helped his standing in Germany and beyond tremendously.

We asked for your views on Niclas Fullkrug, who signed for West Ham on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Harry: Going to be very solid and consistent. He will play very well off of Paqueta, Bowen, Summerville and Kudus. I can't wait!!

Adrian: If the fee really is £27m it’s a terrible deal for a player who is nearly 32.

Joe: He's a player who's played at the very top level#. West Ham haven't had the best luck with strikers but if he shows a good work ethic on the pitch like Antonio and Bowen, the fans will adore him. Fingers crossed he's not another Haller/Scamacca.

Adam: He’s unfashionable in a way - big, loves crosses and isn't a twinkle-toes 19-year old. But every time I’ve seen him he’s looked dangerous… and usually scores! £27m for a 31-year-old seems mad but I think we could get a couple of big seasons out of him.

Kris: Not the signing I'm sure a lot of us were hoping for - a young, pacey striker to lead the line - but considering the wing threat and crossing ability from set piece that we have, this could be a decent signing. Let's see how many times we see "Goal - Fullkrug, Assist - Ward-Prowse" pop up in match reports this season.

Jimbo: He’s a big, horrible target man so a throw back to the likes of David Cross. We’ve been a bit lightweight at times so he’s a perfect fit for the new chapter!

West Ham's hopes of signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been dealt a blow with the 26-year-old defender understood to be pushing for a multi-million pound pay-off from Manchester United to leave the club this summer. (Sun), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham's recent history of signing strikers has been mixed, and that is being generous.

Tens of millions has been spent on names including Gianluca Scammaca, Sebastian Haller and Javier Hernandez yet Michail Antonio has admirably clung on to the number nine role despite seemingly perennial attempts to phase him out.

Now, the latest arrival to lead the Hammers' line under new manager Julen Lopetegui is Niclas Fullkrug - a bruising 6 ft 2 in striker signed for £27m from Borrussia Dortmund.

The 31-year-old Germany international spent his career between the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga playing for Werder Bremen, Greuther Furth and Nurnberg and Hannover 96 before a return to Werder in 2019 of the back of a career best 14 top-flight goals with Hannover.

Always a consistent, committed and fearless target man, Fullkrug's career renaissance began in the 2021-22 season where he scored nine goals and registered four assists propelling Werder to an immediate return to the Bundesliga.

In the 2022-23 season he scored ten goals in 14 matches which earned his first Germany call up - aged 29 - for the World Cup in Qatar in which he scored against Spain and Costa Rica.

He ended the season with 16 goals and five assists, helped Werder survive, sharing the Bundesliga golden boot and capturing the attention of Borussia Dortmund.

His single season in Dortmund bought another 12 goals and six assists in the league and ended with a start in the Champions League final after scoring three times and assisting twice on the road to Wembley.

Fullkrug then scored twice during hosts Germany's run to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, despite not starting a match.

A late bloomer at the top level, he seems to be entering his peak in his early 30s and has form and momentum behind him. He has worked his whole career for a crack at the big time and has seized every opportunity thus far with both hands.

Fullkrug will certainly not be daunted by the physicality of the Premier League and never overly relied on his pace so age is unlikely to be a major factor in that respect.

Expect towering headers across the goalkeeper to be a major fixture at the London Stadium next season.

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham have strengthened their forward line with the signing of German striker Niclas Fullkrug and we want to hear your opinion.

Are you happy with the signing? What do you hope the former Dortmund man can add to the squad?

Let us know here, external

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New West Ham signing Niclas Fullkrug is "delighted" to sign for the club and to play in the "best league in the world."

Speaking to the club's official website he said: "I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with my new teammates," said Fullkrug. "I think the Premier League is the best league in the world, and for me it is the right time to move over to England and play for a big Club like West Ham.

"I have been thinking about West Ham for a long time now - I know the technical director Tim Steidten very well, because we have history at Werder Bremen together, and I have watched some games and seen how much quality there is in the team.

"The chance to play under the Head Coach [Lopetegui] is also really exciting. His playing style is important for me, and I am confident that under him I will be able to perform at my best, and score lots of goals.

"I love being close to supporters, and I’m really looking forward to meeting the West Ham fans. I have a very good feeling at the moment – I’m strong, fit and in shape – and I just want to get out there and start playing for them."

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New signing Crysencio Summerville says his conversation with head coach Julen Lopetegui convinced him to sign for West Ham.

The 22-year-old winger told the club website that it was Lopetegui's straight talking that made him "very positive" about the move away from Leeds United.

"I spoke to the Technical Director [Tim Steidten] and to the head coach, and I just felt very positive about this move.

"Lopetegui told me that he remembered me from when I played against him, and that he was an admirer of me. He said he wanted to work with me, and that he thought I could make a contribution to the team, which was obviously nice to hear.

"He also said that he thought he could help me with my development, which was good. He is a straight talker, which is something I really like, because it means I know what he expects of me. After speaking to him I was sure he was the right person to help take my career to the next level."

Summerville has joined on a five-year-deal with the option of a further year.