Napoli tracking West Ham midfielder Soungoutou Magassa | OneFootball

West Ham United midfielder Soungoutou Magassa is attracting transfer interest from Napoli, according to Area Napoli.

The young defensive midfielder joined West Ham this summer but has made only six league appearances, playing a measly 191 minutes.

However, that has not stopped the reigning Serie A champions from ‘tracking’ the West Ham ace, with director Giovanni Manna reportedly trying to sign him on loan.

Napoli are without Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa. They want to reinforce their ranks with Magassa.

New West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has preferred a midfield pivot of Freddie Potts and Mateus Fernandes, leaving Magassa out in the cold.

Magassa was an unused substitute in West Ham’s last outing. He might be open to a move away from East London.

But from West Ham’s perspective, this is precisely the wrong moment to be doing Napoli any favours.

The 22-year-old is still adapting to a new league, a new country, and now a new manager. Letting him go now, just as he is beginning to settle, would be short-sighted.

He offers a level of physicality and defensive presence that none of West Ham’s other midfielders naturally possess.

His frame, aggression, and ability to cover ground give the team a profile they lack when Potts and Fernandes start together.

For a side that has struggled with defensive balance and control in transitions, Magassa still has the potential to become a valuable tool once Nuno has had more time to work with him.

And there have been positives, flashes of composure on the ball, intelligent positioning, and the raw tools of a modern No.6.

These are not traits a club should be handing over cheaply to Napoli simply because he has not yet won the manager’s trust.

With half a season still ahead, there is ample time for Nuno to reassess and for Magassa to force his way in.

West Ham should be protecting their squad depth, not weakening themselves to solve Napoli’s problems.