West Ham eye promotion-winning midfielder to replace Mateus Fernandes | OneFootball

West Ham have registered their interest in Martin Adeline, who helped Troyes to promotion in the French second tier this past season

West Ham are in for a summer filled with personnel changes, as they prepare for their first Championship campaign since the 2011/12 term.

The Hammers' 14-year stay in the top flight and the various experiences they've had in Europe during that time have enabled the club to lure top-quality players and pay them competitive top-flight wages.

Therefore, with a second-tier season on the horizon, player sales will need to be made (at least £150 million, according to The Athletic), and wages will be slashed to remain within the financial constraints that they'll be under while in the Championship.

Understandably, with the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, Mateus Fernandes and more on the books likely to leave, West Ham's fans have been flooded with rumours linking their current players with departures.

But, alongside those departures will be arrivals, too, as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to rebuild his squad ahead of what is expected to be a promotion-winning campaign at the first time of asking.

West Ham target Troyes' Martin Adeline

According to the Daily Mail, one of the first transfer targets of the summer at the London Stadium is Troyes midfielder Martin Adeline.

Les Champenois' three-year exodus from Ligue 1 ended this past season as they won the French second tier, with Adeline starring in the engine room and enjoying an incredible breakout season.

The 22-year-old was the only player in Ligue 2 to record double-digit goals and assists, ending the league campaign with 10 of each. In all competitions, he scored 11 times and provided 13 assists.

Crucially, the majority of those goal contributions came in their run-in. In a 10-game period between late February and the penultimate game of the campaign, Adeline failed to register a goal involvement only once, scoring six and providing a further six assists.

West Ham are keen to bring the 22-year-old to the London Stadium as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to retool a midfield that is set to be impacted by the departure of Mateus Fernandes, who has the likes of Manchester United and reigning European champions PSG interested in him.

Ligue 1 prospect may form a stumbling block for West Ham in Martin Adeline pursuit - one which they must overcome

Adeline would be the perfect man to replace a departing Fernandes in the heart of the West Ham midfield and, at 22, still has plenty of potential to grow and improve.

But West Ham's Championship status may prove to be a stumbling block to a possible pursuit, as the Frenchman would have to sacrifice top-flight football in his native country for the switch to East London.

The Daily Mail states that Adeline could be tempted to stay with Troyes, who are part of City Group, the multi-club ownership model that includes Manchester City, which would allow him to showcase himself in Ligue 1.

The former French under-20 international got a taste of the French top flight as he came through the academy at Stade Reims, making 14 appearances across three different seasons, including a sole game in the 2024/25 campaign before his move to Troyes.

There's no doubt that West Ham, even in the Championship, would have the financial power to try and lure Adeline to the London Stadium, and even if the 22-year-old shows signs of wanting to stay, the Hammers should be making him one of their primary targets.

The young midfielder has plenty of potential and, at a West Ham side that will be expected to dominate the ball and be on top in the majority of their games next season, he would be given a better opportunity to showcase his skills and develop more there.