Nottingham Forest set to hijack game changing Star after West Ham got £60m boost
West Ham Receive Major £60m Boost in Pursuit of Transformative Midfielder – But Face Stiff Competition from Nottingham Forest
West Ham United have been handed a significant lifeline in their pursuit of a highly sought-after midfield talent this summer, with a potentially game-changing £60 million advantage falling into their lap. However, the path to securing the Colombian international’s signature is far from clear, as Nottingham Forest have now entered the fray with serious intent to hijack the deal.
So far, it’s been a quiet and somewhat frustrating summer transfer window for the Hammers. The club has been open about its current financial limitations, making it clear that any incoming transfers will be dependent on player sales. As a result, West Ham’s transfer activity has remained largely stagnant as they look to generate funds before committing to new signings.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest approach this summer in high spirits after an excellent Premier League campaign. Steve Cooper’s side narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing seventh – just two points shy of fourth place. While the disappointment of falling just short of European football’s elite competition still lingers, Forest remain ambitious. The club now aims to take the same route West Ham did just a couple of seasons ago: by securing continental silverware, specifically targeting the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Ironically, while Forest are on the rise, West Ham seem to be on the decline. After winning the Conference League in 2023, the east London outfit has struggled to maintain that level of performance. The club is undergoing a transitional phase, and it is now the responsibility of new manager Graham Potter to rebuild a side that has lost its competitive edge.
Potter’s Rebuild: Reinventing West Ham from the Midfield Out
Potter’s vision for the club includes a complete overhaul of West Ham’s midfield, which has been criticized for being static, ageing, and lacking in dynamism. While individually the players may offer quality, collectively they lack balance and mobility, making it difficult to mount a serious challenge for European qualification.
In stark contrast, Nottingham Forest’s midfield has been praised for its youth, athleticism, and tactical flexibility. It’s a clear sign of the shifting fortunes between the two clubs – a role reversal of sorts – with Forest now embodying the upward trajectory West Ham once enjoyed.
West Ham have already shown signs of a strategic shift in recruitment. The club distanced itself from reported interest in Josh Brownhill, a soon-to-be free agent who turns 30 next season. Instead, the Hammers are focused on younger, more energetic midfielders with a diverse range of attributes. Names like Morten Frendrup (Genoa), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Mamady Diambou (RB Salzburg), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), and Mario Stroeykens (Anderlecht) have all been linked as part of this emerging transfer strategy.
Enter Richard Rios – The Midfield General Potter Wants
Among the most consistent names linked with West Ham is Palmeiras star Richard Rios, a powerful, all-action midfielder who has been described by some as a player who could “totally transform” the team overnight. Since Potter’s arrival in January, the Hammers have shown a sustained interest in the Colombian international, who has been impressing both domestically and at the ongoing Club World Cup.
However, a move for Rios has seemed unlikely up until now. His reported £85 million release clause put him well beyond West Ham’s reach, particularly in light of their current financial constraints and PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) concerns. To date, the club’s record signing remains Lucas Paquetá at £51 million – a figure unlikely to be eclipsed this summer.
But in a dramatic twist, West Ham have received an unexpected boost that could completely change the landscape. According to Globo journalist Thiago Ferri, Palmeiras – the same club from which the Hammers signed Luis Guilherme for £20 million last year – are now willing to part with Rios for just £25 million. This dramatic reduction from the original release clause represents a potential £60 million saving and finally brings the midfielder within West Ham’s financial reach.
Ferri also confirmed that West Ham have already lodged a previous bid for the 25-year-old and remain keen to revisit the deal as soon as they can generate the necessary funds through player sales.
Nottingham Forest Enter the Race – and Pose a Real Threat
However, just as things are looking up for West Ham, Nottingham Forest have emerged as a serious contender for Rios’s signature. According to Give Me Sport, the Midlands club is now actively pursuing the Colombian, drawn by his powerful engine, athleticism, and high footballing IQ.
Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has not shied away from investing heavily in the squad in recent windows, and the club’s qualification for European football only strengthens their appeal to ambitious players like Rios. With financial backing readily available and the allure of continental competition, Forest may be better positioned than West Ham to close the deal quickly.
For West Ham and Potter, missing out on a player of Rios’s calibre – especially at a cut-price fee – would be a bitter blow. The Colombian fits perfectly into the profile Potter is looking to build around: young, dynamic, and capable of dictating play in both offensive and defensive phases.
Time is of the Essence for West Ham
The situation is now a race against time. West Ham must sell before they can buy, and while the £25 million price tag is now within reach, the delay could allow Forest to swoop in and finalise a deal. Hammers fans will be hoping the club can expedite outgoing transfers, freeing up the funds needed to compete for a player who could define the next era of West Ham’s midfield.
In many ways, the Richard Rios saga is symbolic of the crossroads at which West Ham find themselves: a moment of transition, an opportunity to redefine their identity, and a chance to prove they can still compete with the likes of Forest – both on and off the pitch.