West Ham United’s pursuit of OH Leuven midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi demonstrates new manager Graham Potter’s intention to address glaring weaknesses in his side’s midfield. According to TBR Football (21 January), the Hammers recently submitted an offer for the Netherlands Under-21 international, which was rejected as it fell short of Leuven’s £12 million valuation. Despite the setback, Potter reportedly admires the young deep-lying playmaker, and while no second bid has been tabled yet, a follow-up offer closer to the Belgian club’s demands could be on the cards. With interest also coming from AS Monaco and Leicester City, West Ham may face a competitive battle to secure the talented 19-year-old.

The situation sheds light on Potter’s evolving priorities since his arrival at the London Stadium. While many expected West Ham to focus on signing a striker during the January transfer window, the former Brighton and Chelsea boss has shifted the focus to midfield after a string of disappointing performances. Since taking charge, Potter has overseen two defeats—against Aston Villa in the FA Cup and Crystal Palace in the Premier League—while managing a narrow victory over Fulham. Across all three matches, the Hammers’ midfield struggled to maintain control, often being overrun and allowing opponents to play through them with ease.

This vulnerability persists despite recent midfield reinforcements. Carlos Soler, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has shown flashes of quality but has struggled for consistency due to limited game time. Meanwhile, Guido Rodríguez, a high-profile signing made at the behest of former manager Julen Lopetegui, has failed to live up to expectations. The Argentine international’s performances have been lackluster, prompting Potter to seek alternatives to bring balance and energy to his midfield setup.

Ezechiel Banzuzi could fit that profile. A powerful and athletic midfielder, the Dutchman combines defensive resilience with an ability to carry the ball forward, making him a promising long-term prospect. At just 19, he has already gained attention across Europe, with Voetbal International (7 January) reporting that Monaco and Leicester City are also monitoring his progress. West Ham’s inability to meet OH Leuven’s valuation in their opening bid may give these clubs an opportunity to enter the race, making it imperative for the Hammers to act swiftly if they wish to secure his signature.

While Banzuzi’s arrival would not be an immediate solution to all of West Ham’s midfield woes, his energy and dynamism could provide Potter with a valuable option. The teenager’s versatility—capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role—would bring much-needed depth and flexibility to the squad. However, his relative inexperience at the top level means he would likely need time to adapt to the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands.

For West Ham, the stakes are high. The club currently sits mid-table, and their recent struggles in key matches highlight the urgent need for reinforcements if they are to stabilize their season under Potter’s guidance. While a striker remains a priority, as the team continues to lack a clinical edge in front of goal, shoring up the midfield appears equally crucial. A failure to address these issues could leave the Hammers vulnerable to further poor results, jeopardizing Potter’s efforts to implement his long-term vision.

Ultimately, West Ham’s willingness to meet OH Leuven’s £12 million asking price could prove decisive. In a competitive market, securing Banzuzi would not only bolster the squad but also signal the club’s commitment to investing in young talent with high potential. However, with other clubs circling and the clock ticking on the January transfer window, the Hammers must act decisively if they are to fend off their rivals and bring the Dutch prospect to London.