Galatasaray Return Back For West Ham Midfielder: What Should The Hammers Do? | OneFootball

Istanbul’s heavyweights, Galatasaray, have shifted their focus to West Ham’s Soungoutou Magassa. They are pushing harder for a deal after the Hammers firmly rejected an initial loan bid. Turkish outlet Fotomac reports that the Süper Lig champions first offered a temporary deal for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder. While that offer included a purchase option, the East London club turned it down immediately.

Galatasaray Return for Soungoutou Magassa with Mandatory Purchase Terms

Gala Vice President Abdullah Kavukcu remained determined and flew to the UK on Tuesday. Italian agent George Gardi accompanied him to talk directly with Premier League officials.

Fotomac notes that the Turkish side now propose a loan with a mandatory purchase obligation to force the move through. Meanwhile, Galatasaray are keeping in touch with Göztepe regarding midfielder Anthony Dennis as a backup plan.

Analysis of Magassa’s 2025/26 Campaign

West Ham United paid AS Monaco €17 million for Magassa’s services in August 2025. Since then, he has struggled to settle into English football. By January 31, 2026, the French youth international has played only 808 minutes across 15 games. He usually remains on the bench under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Frenchman scored a memorable goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford in December, yet his form remains inconsistent. While he can play as both a defensive midfielder and a centre-back, a profile that looks good on paper, he has not displaced regular starters like Tomas Soucek or the rising Freddie Potts.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Soungoutou Magassa of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

The situation is reaching a breaking point. West Ham are currently stuck in a tough fight against relegation. Losing a player who covers multiple spots on deadline day is a big risk, especially since injuries often hit Nuno’s backline.

Still, Magassa has not made a significant impact, meaning the club might find him replaceable. The board may view this as a smart move if Galatasaray’s fee guarantees a profit on the original €17 million investment.

West Ham’s Best Course of Action

West Ham should keep Magassa until the summer. They should only sell if the Turkish offer is too lucrative to refuse. Relegation battles require a deep squad, and Magassa covers two vital positions.

Selling him now gives Nuno no time to find a replacement. This move could backfire if the midfield loses players to suspensions or injuries in February. The Hammers must focus on Premier League survival rather than immediate financial balancing.