Journalist: West Ham United Considering £13.1m Move for Bundesliga Midfielder | OneFootball

West Ham Eye Romano Schmid as Midfield Reinforcements Considered

West Ham United are exploring the possibility of signing Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid, with Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian reporting that the Austrian international is being monitored as a potential summer acquisition. While talks have not yet progressed to an advanced stage, Schmid is firmly on the radar at Rush Green.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, currently valued at around €15 million, has attracted attention not only from West Ham but also from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Fulham. Schmid, who has been a consistent performer in the Bundesliga, could become a central figure in West Ham’s reshaped midfield if a deal is struck.

“West Ham are considering a move for Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Romano Schmid,” Steinberg reports. “Austria international could cost around €15m. Deal not an advanced stage but #whufc aware of situation.”

Style and suitability for the Premier League

Schmid has developed a reputation in Germany for his work rate, creative passing and versatility in the final third. The Austrian’s ability to play as a No 10 or in slightly deeper positions makes him an intriguing option for a West Ham side looking to add guile and energy to their midfield under Graham Potter.

The midfielder featured prominently for Austria during Euro 2024, further enhancing his profile and drawing renewed interest from across Europe. His ball progression and intelligent movement suggest he could adapt well to the physical and fast-paced nature of the Premier League. While not prolific in front of goal, his role in linking play and stretching defensive lines is seen as a tactical asset.

Potter’s potential influence on transfer approach

With Graham Potter at the helm, West Ham’s recruitment strategy has taken a more considered tone. Known for his attention to tactical structure and technical players, Potter may view Schmid as a valuable addition capable of enhancing his fluid system.

Potter is expected to lean towards players who are coachable and tactically astute rather than headline names. Schmid fits this mould. With a modest price tag and room for development, he presents a financially viable option in today’s inflated market.

Competition heating up for Schmid

Interest from Aston Villa and Fulham adds a layer of urgency to West Ham’s decision-making. Both clubs are understood to be monitoring Schmid’s situation closely, and a delay in formalising an approach could see West Ham miss out.

Should the Hammers choose to move forward, negotiations will need to be swift and efficient. The competition is expected to stiffen as other clubs assess the feasibility of a relatively low-cost deal for a player who is just entering his prime years.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a West Ham fan’s point of view, this report sparks genuine intrigue. Romano Schmid might not be a household name, but that could work in our favour. We’ve seen too many high-profile signings come in and underdeliver. Schmid feels like the kind of under-the-radar signing that could blossom under a manager like Graham Potter.

Potter’s arrival signals a shift in tone. Gone are the days of chaotic spending or plugging gaps with short-term fixes. Instead, there’s a clear effort to build something more sustainable, and players like Schmid fit that approach. He’s 25, experienced enough to contribute immediately, but still has time to grow. His flexibility also means we could use him in different formations or alongside various midfield partners.

The fact that we’re competing with Aston Villa and Fulham shows the level he’s operating at. We can’t afford to hang about if we rate him. At €15 million, he’s affordable by today’s standards, and if he becomes a key creator in midfield, that fee could look like a bargain.

This isn’t just about signing a player for depth. It’s about shaping the next version of West Ham — more technical, smarter, and with a clear direction. Romano Schmid might just be the kind of player that starts to define that journey.