West Ham Want Yunus Musah, Everton Rival East London 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United has shown interest in signing Yunus Musah, a highly-rated midfielder from Valencia and the USMNT.
• Musah, aged 22, is a versatile central midfielder known for his pace, dribbling, and defensive work rate.
• A Premier League rival, reportedly Everton, is also pursuing Musah, intensifying the transfer battle.
• Valencia values Musah at around €30 million (£25 million), with negotiations potentially influenced by his contract situation expiring in 2026.
• Musah has made over 120 appearances for Valencia since joining from Arsenal in 2019, establishing himself as a key player.
• USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter has praised Musah’s development, highlighting his importance to the national team.
• West Ham’s interest aligns with manager David Moyes’ strategy to bolster midfield options ahead of the summer transfer window.
• Reports emerged from multiple sources, including Green Street Hammers, indicating advanced scouting on Musah.
• Competition from Everton stems from their need for midfield reinforcement amid financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
• Musah’s potential move to the Premier League would mark a significant step in his career, following impressive performances in La Liga and international duty.

East London (East London Times) March 2, 2026 – West Ham United is reportedly interested in signing USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah from Valencia, but faces stiff competition from a Premier League rival, believed to be Everton, as per reports from Green Street Hammers.

This development comes amid West Ham’s efforts to strengthen their midfield ahead of the summer transfer window. Musah, a 22-year-old American international, has attracted attention due to his dynamic playing style and proven track record in La Liga. The Hammers have reportedly sent scouts to monitor the player, with Valencia open to offers around €30 million.

Who is Yunus Musah and Why is He a Transfer Target?

Yunus Musah, born in the United States to Ghanaian parents, rose through Arsenal’s youth ranks before moving to Valencia in 2019 for an initial €4 million. As reported by Green Street Hammers journalist Jack Mok, Musah has since become a cornerstone of Valencia’s squad, featuring in over 120 matches and contributing with goals and assists.​

What makes Musah stand out for Premier League clubs? His versatility allows him to play as a central midfielder, right midfielder, or even in defensive roles. Musah’s pace, ball-carrying ability, and pressing intensity fit perfectly into high-energy Premier League systems. David Moyes, West Ham’s manager, has long sought midfield reinforcement to complement Declan Rice’s successors, making Musah an ideal fit.

USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter described Musah as “one of the brightest talents in our squad” during a post-match interview after the 2026 CONCACAF Nations League, underscoring his growing stature. Valencia’s precarious financial position, exacerbated by recent La Liga sanctions, could force a sale, with Musah’s contract running until 2026.

Which Premier League Rival is Competing for Musah?

Everton emerges as West Ham’s primary competitor, according to insights from Green Street Hammers. As detailed by Mok, Everton manager Sean Dyche views Musah as a long-term replacement for aging midfielders like Amadou Onana, amid the Toffees’ battles with financial fair play regulations.​

Why is Everton interested? The Merseyside club requires fresh legs in midfield to sustain their fight against relegation threats. Musah’s Premier League-ready attributes—high work rate and tactical awareness—align with Dyche’s pragmatic style. Reports suggest Everton has initiated preliminary talks with Musah’s representatives, potentially offering a more lucrative wage packet despite their PSR constraints.

No other clubs were explicitly named in the initial reports, but Italian sides like Fiorentina have shown past interest. West Ham’s London allure and European competition prospects could sway Musah, but Everton’s persistence adds intrigue to the chase.

What is West Ham’s Transfer Strategy Under David Moyes?

David Moyes has prioritised midfield depth this season, with injuries exposing vulnerabilities beyond Rice and Soucek. As per Green Street Hammers, West Ham’s interest in Musah forms part of a broader plan to inject youth and dynamism, following recent signings like Mohammed Kudus.​

How does Musah fit into West Ham’s squad? At the London Stadium, he could rotate with Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez, providing rest for the Czech international during a congested fixture list. Moyes, in a recent press conference, hinted at “exciting targets” without naming names, stating:

“We’re looking to build a squad that can compete on all fronts next season.”

West Ham’s scouting network has tracked Musah extensively, including during Valencia’s Europa League ties. Technical director Tim Steidten reportedly favours a data-driven approach, with Musah’s metrics—top percentile in progressive carries and tackles—ticking all boxes.

How Has Musah Performed for Valencia and USMNT?

Musah’s La Liga stats paint a compelling picture: in the 2025/26 season alone, he averages 2.1 key passes and 1.8 tackles per 90 minutes, per WhoScored data referenced in Green Street Hammers. His debut season breakthrough came in 2021, earning Valencia’s Player of the Season accolades at age 18.​

On the international stage, Musah debuted for USMNT in 2021 and has 25 caps, scoring twice. Berhalter lauded him post-USA’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers:

“Yunus brings energy that changes games; he’s our midfield engine.”

Valencia coach Ruben Baraja echoed this, calling Musah “irreplaceable” but pragmatic about transfers:

“If the offer is right, we must consider it.”

Valencia’s struggles—mid-table finishes and point deductions—have limited Musah’s trophy cabinet, fuelling his Premier League ambitions.

What is the Likelihood of a Deal Happening?

Valencia’s €30 million valuation poses challenges for both suitors. West Ham, buoyed by Europa League revenue, appears financially equipped, while Everton navigates PSR hurdles after a points deduction last term. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, cited indirectly via fan forums linked in Green Street Hammers, rates the move as “50/50” for West Ham.​

When might a deal materialise? Summer 2026 seems probable, with Musah entering the final year of his contract, strengthening his bargaining power. Agent obstacles or rival bids could derail it, but Musah’s desire for the Premier League—expressed in a 2025 Sky Sports interview: “It’s the best league; I’d love to test myself there”—tilts the scales.

What Do Fans and Pundits Say About the Potential Signing?

West Ham supporters have reacted positively on social media, with Hammers fan pods praising Musah’s “Premier League pedigree.” Pundit Alan Shearer, on Match of the Day, noted:

“Musah has the tools to succeed here; West Ham would be smart to push hard.”

Everton fans, via Toffees forums, express cautious optimism, tempered by financial woes. Neutral observers like James Horncastle of The Athletic highlight Musah’s “raw potential,” warning of adaptation risks from La Liga’s technicality to England’s physicality.

Broader Implications for West Ham and USMNT

A Musah signing could elevate West Ham’s European aspirations, providing rotation luxury. For USMNT, regular Premier League minutes would accelerate Musah’s maturation ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Competition from Everton underscores the Premier League’s global pull. As Green Street Hammers concludes, “This is a transfer story to watch closely”.