According to Fichajes, West Ham United are preparing a €35 million proposal for Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye in the January transfer window. However, the Spanish side insists they will only accept more than €40 million, which is the figure of his release clause. That stance creates a narrow but significant gap, as Villarreal insist on full payment upfront, a common practice in Spain, while the Hammers are keen to negotiate more flexible terms in the structure of the deal.

The Hammers have endured a dreadful start. They are second from bottom in the Premier League, and the club now seriously questions Graham Potter’s position. The club is already reviewing his role, and they are actively considering a change, with Nuno Espirito Santo, Kieran McKenna and Gary O’Neil considered as potential successors.

Such uncertainty complicates transfer planning, yet the club hierarchy wants to bring in a defensive midfielder after missing out in the summer window. They previously targeted players like Yves Bissouma, and now West Ham consider Gueye as a more realistic candidate despite the complications surrounding Villarreal’s demands.

Further reports state that Graham Potter’s stint at West Ham United is reaching a critical juncture. Report reveals the hierarchy’s growing concern after the recent loss to Crystal Palace. It underlines the urgency of decisions both on the touchline and in the boardroom.

Meanwhile, scouting efforts remain active elsewhere. The club is monitoring other players, including Anderlecht’s young attacker Mario Stroeykens. It shows their intent to broaden reinforcements beyond midfield if the opportunity arises.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – AUGUST 15: Pape Gueye of Villarreal CF reacts after a missed chance during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and Real Oviedo at Estadio de la Ceramica on August 15, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Pape Gueye has a combative presence in the middle of the pitch. He possesses physical strength with the ability to read the game. His numbers in La Liga this season show his balanced contribution: two goals in six appearances, an 86 per cent passing accuracy across 230 completed passes, and where he has imposed himself with six successful tackles. Those qualities offer promise for a side that needs control and steel, particularly as West Ham search for more intensity in midfield battles.

His versatility remains one of his biggest strengths. The Senegal international is equally capable of breaking up attacks and initiating transitions. That could ease pressure on the likes of Tomáš Souček, Soungoutou Magassa and Guido Rodríguez, who have shouldered responsibility in recent months.

Yet West Ham cannot ignore his disciplinary record and previous injuries, including a four-month suspension in 2023. Such factors force West Ham to weigh the benefits of his aggression against the risks of losing him for spells during the campaign.

Ultimately, the London side must decide whether Gueye offers the right balance of quality and reliability at a time when they need both immediate results and long-term stability. While €35 million may appear a fair valuation in their eyes, Villarreal’s insistence on the release clause upfront will keep negotiations tense until January arrives.