Mario Lemina has been identified as a potential target for West Ham United in the upcoming January transfer window, with former Hammers midfielder Martin Allen urging the club to consider bringing the experienced Gabon international to East London. Lemina, who currently plies his trade at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is well-known to West Ham fans not just for his performances but for a fiery altercation with Jarrod Bowen at the London Stadium earlier this season. The scuffle, which occurred after Wolves’ 2-1 victory in December, highlighted Lemina’s combative and passionate nature—traits that Allen believes could benefit West Ham.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen described Lemina as the type of player who could add much-needed grit and energy to the Hammers’ midfield. “Not so long ago, the captain of Wolves had a dust-up on the pitch with Jarrod Bowen—Lemina,” Allen said. “I like his arrogance, I like his attitude, I like his aggression. He’s mobile, and I would try and sign him to play in front of the back four. All of a sudden, I think you have a much stronger team.”
Lemina, who has enjoyed a solid career in European football with stints at Juventus, Southampton, and Fulham, has been a key figure for Wolves this season. His defensive awareness, physicality, and ability to control the tempo of games could make him an ideal candidate to shore up West Ham’s midfield. His tenacious style of play and leadership qualities would provide a new dimension to a Hammers team that has struggled at times to impose themselves in central areas.
Currently, West Ham relies heavily on Tomas Soucek in defensive midfield roles, with Carlos Soler also featuring in a more box-to-box capacity. Adding Lemina to the squad would not only enhance the depth in this critical area but also introduce more competition for places, which could push the team to a higher level. Allen believes Lemina’s experience and skill set would be invaluable, particularly in high-pressure situations.
“His arrogance and aggression are exactly what we need,” Allen added. “You can see it in how he carries himself on the pitch—he’s not afraid of a challenge, and he’s got the technical ability to back it up. Playing in front of the back four, he would provide the kind of protection and stability that we’ve lacked at times this season.”
While Lemina’s qualities are clear, the financial aspect of a potential deal remains uncertain. Wolves may demand a reasonable fee given his age—he is now 31—and his involvement in the team. However, with the midfielder’s game time since the start of the season suggesting he could be open to a move, a deal could very well be on the cards. For West Ham, this would represent an opportunity to bolster their squad with a proven Premier League player who still has a few years of top-level football left in him.
Lemina’s addition would also align with Graham Potter’s vision for the team, which has focused on building a balanced, versatile, and dynamic squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. With West Ham looking to secure a strong second half of the season, including a push for European qualification, acquiring an experienced and combative midfielder like Lemina could prove to be a smart move.
The Hammers have previously succeeded with similar signings, bringing in players with Premier League experience who can make an immediate impact. Lemina’s ability to dictate play, recover possession, and provide a physical edge would certainly make him a valuable asset at the London Stadium. Fans may remember his fiery clash with Bowen, but if the deal goes through, they could soon see him channeling that aggression to West Ham’s benefit.
As the January transfer window unfolds, it will be interesting to see if the Hammers take Allen’s advice and make a move for Lemina. While there are no concrete indications yet of formal talks between the two clubs, the prospect of Lemina donning West Ham colors is one that could excite fans and solidify their midfield for the battles ahead.