Crystal Palace’s Bid for Magassa

Crystal Palace are in the final stages of a serious push to sign West Ham United’s 22-year-old defensive midfielder Soungoutou Magassa. Journalist Fabrice Hawkins confirmed that the Eagles have been in contact with the Hammers for a considerable period to iron out the structure of a potential deal and are now ready to push it across the line. The negotiations are active, but no deal has yet been confirmed.

Magassa’s Profile and Recent Season

Magassa joined West Ham from Monaco roughly a year ago for around €17 million. In the 2025/26 season he has made 26 appearances in all competitions, including 22 Premier League outings, starting 11 of those and clocking 989 minutes. He scored a goal against Manchester United. The 22-year-old is a France Under-21 international with an Olympic silver medal, an 85 % passing completion rate, and a genuine dual profile as a number six or ball-playing centre-back. He stands 6-foot-2, is comfortable with the ball, and can operate in multiple positions across the backline and midfield.

West Ham’s Position and Financial Pressure

West Ham, having been relegated to the EFL Championship last season, are under mounting pressure to shift players on significant Premier League wages. Magassa sits at the top of that list. Several other clubs have registered interest, making this a race against time for Palace to secure him before a rival steps in. West Ham have already raised over €175 million this summer through sales including Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, giving them leverage to negotiate a profit on last summer’s Monaco fee.

Potential Deal and Managerial Views

West Ham’s manager, Nuno, should push for £18-20 million, bank the profit on the €17 million Monaco fee, and move on without sentiment. Holding out for more or attempting to talk Magassa around would be a mistake West Ham cannot afford, not financially, not structurally, not with a Championship rebuild beginning immediately. Crystal Palace, under Pierre Sage, are building a team with genuine defensive structure, and Magassa fits their system precisely.

Conclusion

The Hammers face fresh exit pressure as Crystal Palace push hard. If the deal goes through, West Ham would free up a significant wage bill and secure a solid profit, while Palace would add a young, versatile defensive midfielder to their squad.