West Ham sign Soungoutou Magassa from AS Monaco for €17 million

Key Points

• West Ham United have officially signed 21-year-old French midfielder Soungoutou Magassa from AS Monaco.
• The transfer fee is reported to be around €17 million, potentially rising to €20 million with add-ons.
• Magassa has signed a six-year contract with West Ham and will wear the No. 27 jersey.
• He is a France U21 international and was part of the French Olympic team that won a silver medal in Paris.
• Magassa is a versatile player, capable of playing in advanced midfield positions and as a centre-back.
• The signing is expected to bolster West Ham’s midfield amid a difficult start to their 2025-26 season.
• This transfer comes alongside the signing of another midfielder, Mateus Fernandes from Southampton.
• The move follows increased competition for Magassa’s position at Monaco, especially after Paul Pogba’s arrival.
• Nottingham Forest showed interest but did not meet Monaco’s asking price.
• West Ham manager Graham Potter is under pressure after three consecutive losses at the start of the season.

What is the background of Soungoutou Magassa’s transfer to West Ham?

As reported by Luke Entwistle of GFFN via Yahoo Sports, Soungoutou Magassa, a 21-year-old French midfielder, completed his transfer from AS Monaco to West Ham United on 30 August 2025. The French youth international had been heavily linked with a move away from Monaco during the summer transfer window, primarily due to rising competition for places following the arrival of Paul Pogba at Monaco. The club also aimed to raise funds through player sales as the transfer window approached its close. West Ham successfully agreed on a transfer fee of €17 million, potentially rising to €20 million with add-ons, outbidding Nottingham Forest, who could not meet Monaco’s financial demands.

Magassa progressed through Monaco’s youth academy and featured in 31 matches in the previous season, including league appearances. He also represented France at the Under-21 level and was part of the Olympic team coached by Thierry Henry that secured a silver medal in Paris this year.

What are the terms and expectations of Magassa’s contract with West Ham?

According to an official announcement by West Ham United and supported by posts on the club’s Instagram, Magassa signed a six-year contract with the club. He will wear the No. 27 shirt for the Hammers. Although West Ham initially were reserved on contract length, reports from Foot Mercato confirm it as a four-year deal with an option to extend for an additional two years, reflecting the club’s long-term plans for the player.

Magassa has expressed enthusiasm about joining West Ham, stating, “The Premier League is the best league in the world, and I’m ready to prove that I am ready for the challenge.” This signing is seen as a significant addition to the squad, with Magassa’s versatility allowing him to play in multiple midfield roles or even as a centre-back.

How is Magassa expected to fit in at West Ham amid the club’s recent form?

West Ham’s 2025-26 season had a challenging start, with three consecutive losses under manager Graham Potter. The club was defeated 3-0 by Sunderland on 16 August, followed by a heavy 5-1 home defeat to Chelsea, and a loss to Wolves in the Carabao Cup. These results have increased pressure on Potter and the squad, particularly in the midfield area.

The signings of Magassa and Mateus Fernandes from Southampton on the same day aim to strengthen West Ham’s central midfield options. Fernandes, another young midfielder, was acquired for over £40 million and signed a five-year contract. Magassa’s arrival is expected to bring athleticism, passing ability, and versatility to Potter’s lineup to address the issues faced early in the campaign.

How did West Ham and Monaco officially announce the transfer?

West Ham United officially confirmed the signing of Soungoutou Magassa on their official website on 29 August 2025, welcoming the France U21 international to the club. The club called the signing “impressive” and highlighted Magassa’s development at Monaco. They defined him as a player who can operate in various midfield positions and contribute to the team’s dynamics in the Premier League.

AS Monaco also acknowledged the transfer through an official statement on 28 August 2025, thanking Magassa for his contribution to the club and wishing him success at West Ham.

What influence did other clubs have on the transfer?

Nottingham Forest expressed interest in signing Magassa during the transfer window but failed to meet the €20 million asking price set by Monaco, which contributed to West Ham securing the deal. The transfer saga underscored West Ham’s ambition to strengthen their squad with promising young talent ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

What is the broader transfer context for West Ham in 2025?

Alongside Magassa, West Ham’s summer transfer window in 2025 has been significant. The club also signed Mateus Fernandes from Southampton for a fee of over £40 million. Other transfers include bringing in goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from Leicester City, defender Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, and striker Callum Wilson on a free transfer from Newcastle United.

These reinforcements are part of West Ham’s strategy to reinforce squad depth and quality after a difficult start to the season, as they aim to improve performances and results in the Premier League and domestic cups.

What do experts and commentators say about Magassa’s signing?

On a fan and expert level, commentators describe Magassa as a dynamic and athletic player who fits a profile West Ham has been lacking in midfield. He is expected to offer more than just defensive contribution, including ball distribution and a degree of tactical flexibility. This signing is seen as a shrewd acquisition that could provide Potter options in various midfield setups without rushing the player into immediate first-team responsibility.