West Ham 'make Guido Rodriguez exit decision' amid transfer update
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(Credit: Getty, Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Mon 25 August 2025 16:41, UK
West Ham United are not willing to let Guido Rodriguez leave the London Stadium before signing a new midfielder.
Guido Rodriguez made a 70-minute appearance when West Ham were beaten 3-0 by Sunderland on the Premier League’s opening weekend.
However, the 31-year-old was an unused substitute when Graham Potter’s men were thrashed 5-1 by London rivals Chelsea on Friday, 22 August.
The Hammers’ poor start to the Premier League campaign has put Potter under sack pressure ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup tie at Wolves on Tuesday, 26 August.
Potter has endured a bad start to the season (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Rodriguez’s move from Real Betis to the London Stadium last summer has not been a success, as West Ham finished just 14th in the Premier League last term.
Potter has been relatively busy in the transfer market, while Callum Wilson joined Potter’s side after leaving Newcastle United as a free agent.
Amid their poor start to the new campaign, the East Londoners will also have to facilitate player exits as they look to turn things around.
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The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg revealed via X on Monday, 25 August: “West Ham won’t let Guido Rodriguez leave until a midfielder comes in.
“Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney a new name under consideration.”
Football Insider verdict
Middlesbrough star Hackney has proven himself as a quality creative midfielder in the Championship, notching five goals and three assists in 43 league appearances last term.
The 23-year-old has also enjoyed strong form at the beginning of the new second-tier season, scoring one goal and producing one assist in three outings.
His goal contributions so far this season have helped Middlesbrough to a 3-0 victory over Millwall on 16 August and a 2-1 win at Norwich City on Saturday, 23 August.
Hayden Hackney statsChampionship 2025/26Appearances3Goals1Assists1Hackney is a key man for Boro
Furthermore, the Boro academy graduate showcased his talent this summer when he helped England win the Under-21 European Championship.
Players like Morgan Rogers, who signed for Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024, have successfully bridged the gap between the second tier and the Premier League in recent seasons.
Hackney could be capable of doing the same and helping West Ham establish stronger form in the top flight.
Meanwhile, football finance expert Dan Plumley has backed the Hammers to take swift action on Potter in a West Ham Zone exclusive.
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