With the clock ticking down to the summer transfer window deadline, West Ham United have found themselves at the heart of a flurry of Premier League activity, both on and off the pitch. The Hammers have not only made headlines with a much-needed win at Nottingham Forest but are also navigating a maze of transfer negotiations that could reshape their squad for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign.
On August 31, 2025, West Ham delivered a statement performance with a 3-0 victory away at Nottingham Forest, snapping a two-game Premier League losing streak and providing a timely morale boost after their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Wolves. Lucas Paqueta, the Brazilian midfield maestro, played a starring role, coolly slotting home a late penalty before celebrating by kissing the West Ham badge in front of the jubilant away supporters. The moment was not just about the three points—it was a powerful message amid swirling transfer rumors threatening to unsettle the club’s talisman.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the win, West Ham head coach Graham Potter was unequivocal about Paqueta’s future: “Yes,” he replied when asked if the 28-year-old would remain a Hammer after the transfer window closes on September 1. “The noise has been around Lucas for a long time and the way he conducts himself is incredible. He gave everything for the team again today and contributed with a goal and the win.”
Paqueta’s commitment was echoed by club captain Jarrod Bowen, who urged fans to “not believe everything you read online.” Bowen added, “Some people didn’t think he’d turn up and play but he turned up and scored.” Despite interest from Aston Villa—who reportedly discussed a loan with an obligation to buy worth about £50 million—as well as Tottenham and Everton, West Ham’s stance remains firm. Villa’s pursuit, while ongoing, appears increasingly unlikely to result in a transfer before the window slams shut.
But the transfer drama doesn’t end with Paqueta. West Ham are actively seeking reinforcements, most notably targeting Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell. The 23-year-old Englishman, a standout performer in England’s Under-21 European Championship-winning campaign and named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament, made 34 appearances for Toulouse last season and scored four goals. His robust defending and eye for goal have attracted interest from Serie A and several Premier League sides, with West Ham now leading the charge to secure his signature before the September 1 deadline.
Manager Graham Potter, who recently welcomed Mateus Fernandes from Southampton, hinted at late-window activity during his Friday press conference. “You never know what’s going to happen,” Potter remarked. “I think it’ll be one of those windows that’s going to be a lot of activity late.” The urgency is palpable, with the Hammers keen to bolster their defensive ranks after a summer that has already seen ten departures, including the imminent transfer of Emerson Palmieri to Marseille.
Emerson, 31, has been given permission to undergo a medical with the French side after a deal was agreed for a €1 million fee including add-ons. The Italian left-back, who has not featured in West Ham’s first two league games this season, is set to sign a two-year contract with an option for a third year. His exit marks the latest in a string of departures that have significantly reshaped the squad since the window opened.
Meanwhile, the Hammers’ defensive shopping spree could be complicated by Crystal Palace’s advanced negotiations for Cresswell’s Toulouse teammate, Jaydee Canvot. The highly rated 19-year-old French centre-back is also on the radar of Premier League clubs, and Palace are pushing to finalize a deal before the deadline. Should both defenders depart Toulouse, it would mark a significant talent drain for the Ligue 1 side and further intensify the competition for defensive reinforcements in England’s top flight.
The broader Premier League transfer landscape remains frenetic, with clubs across the division scrambling to finalize deals before the 7pm UK time deadline on September 1. Leeds United, for instance, are still seeking attacking reinforcements after missing out on Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte, while Chelsea’s last-minute reversal on Nicolas Jackson’s loan to Bayern Munich—prompted by an injury to Liam Delap—has left both clubs reassessing their attacking options. The Blues are also celebrating the acquisition of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United, a move worth £40 million that adds further firepower to their wide positions.
Elsewhere, Fulham are poised to break their transfer record for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin, and Rangers are closing in on Everton forward Youssef Chermiti. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has publicly expressed frustration at the club’s stance over his desired move, and Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey is finalizing a switch to Fiorentina. The sheer volume of late-window negotiations reflects a Premier League more competitive and unpredictable than ever, with clubs balancing the demands of domestic and European campaigns.
Back at West Ham, the mood has shifted dramatically after their win at the City Ground. “It’s what we’re here for—to win and prove we have the quality and prove we are a team,” Potter told the BBC. “We can enjoy the next couple of days and prepare when the boys are back. I have been a manager for 15 years, relatively competent sometimes, but it’s the players—it’s their day today. They’ve carried out the win in a really good way. We restricted Forest and carried a threat ourselves.”
Despite the positive result, the Hammers know the work isn’t done. The loss of Emerson and the potential arrival of Cresswell highlight the ongoing churn in the squad, while the transfer saga surrounding Paqueta continues to dominate headlines. Yet, the club’s leadership remains composed, determined to balance stability with ambition as they navigate the final hours of the window.
As the deadline approaches, West Ham supporters can take solace in the resilience shown by their team on the pitch and the clear direction set by Potter and his staff off it. Whether or not the Hammers land Cresswell or fend off late bids for Paqueta, one thing is certain: the final hours of the 2025 summer transfer window promise drama, tension, and—just maybe—a few last-minute surprises for fans in Claret and Blue.
