Credit: Imago / Getty Images

Harri Burton

Tue 12 August 2025 18:03, UK

Fabio Vieira could now quickly rise to the top of Graham Potter’s transfer list after West Ham failed in their quest to sign a much-needed star.

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It was evident that multiple new midfielders would be needed for the season ahead, but with very limited movement in the transfer market, James Ward-Prowse, Guido Rodriguez, and Edson Alvarez all remain.

Football Insider had revealed in June that Burnley were plotting a move for Tomas Soucek, though a deal never materialised, and Potter has been left to pick up the pieces at the London Stadium.

Graham Potter is under pressure at West Ham.

(Credit: Imago)

The attacking lineup has been addressed by Callum Wilson and Daniel Cummings, while the defensive third has been strengthened by several arrivals, including new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

A late deal for a new midfielder seems like the obvious move now, though.

Ben Jacobs wrote on X in July: “West Ham have added Fábio Vieira to their list of midfield options.

No approach yet to Arsenal, but Vieira is now a name of interest.

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“West Ham planning to add multiple midfielders this summer,” but since that moment, the Hammers are yet to make additions in the position, only just showing desperation to do so now.

West Ham have seen a £30million bid for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes quickly rejected, with the Saints holding out for closer to £60million, similar to what Romeo Lavia left for in 2023 [The Athletic].

While the 21-year-old is clearly a talented player, notching three goals and six assists during a dreadful campaign in the Premier League for the club, the Irons would be incredibly naive to pay the price tag.

(Credit: Imago)

The Hammers are left in exactly the same position as before, however, and that is needing new midfielders for the 2025/26 campaign.

Although Vieira has struggled during his time at the Emirates Stadium, barely being given a look-in by Mikel Arteta, his return to Porto was much more of a success, recording 11 goal contributions.

Credit: Imago

He also has a wealth of Champions League and Europa League experience under his belt, which is exactly the kind of figures that Potter needs in his team to make things work at West Ham.

The former Brighton and Chelsea figure is already under pressure in East London, but without several additions to the squad, David Sullivan and Karren Brady will be knocking on his office door soon enough.

Vieira looks to be available and likely won’t cost an absolute premium like Fernandes so a deal could be on the cards in the near future.

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