According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios as a top midfield target. Talks are expected to progress this week as the club reshapes its squad.
West Ham United are targeting Exequiel Palacios as a key part of their midfield rebuild this summer, following a disappointing 14th-place finish in last season’s Premier League.
According to Sky Sports, the Argentine midfielder is now a priority target for the Hammers as they look to add tactical intelligence, versatility, and Champions League-level experience to their engine room.
Palacios made 38 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Leverkusen last season and has emerged as one of Europe’s most reliable central midfielders — despite past injury concerns.
Why West Ham Want Exequiel Palacios
West Ham are aiming to reshape their midfield with versatile, high-level operators who can play as a No.6 or No.8. Palacios fits that brief perfectly.
Having flourished in a high-pressing, possession-heavy Leverkusen system, the 25-year-old would bring immediate technical quality and European pedigree to Graham Potter’s setup.
“Palacios can dictate tempo, cover ground, and link play — he’s exactly what West Ham lacked last season,” said a Sky Sports analyst. — Sky Sports News
Squad Shake-Up Underway at West Ham
The Hammers are also reportedly open to letting Guido Rodríguez and Lucas Paquetá leave this summer — signalling a major rebuild in central midfield.
Palacios is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028, meaning West Ham would need to submit a serious offer to tempt the Bundesliga champions into a sale.
Exequiel Palacios – 2024/25 Season Stats (All Competitions)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 38 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.4 |
| Contract Expiry | June 2028 |
Analyst Verdict
Palacios is a ready-made solution for West Ham’s midfield issues — capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or more advanced ball-progressor. His injury history is a consideration, but last season’s availability record suggests those concerns may now be behind him.
If West Ham can get this deal done, it would represent a major statement of intent — the kind of signing that elevates the entire structure of Potter's side heading into a crucial campaign.
Key Insights
- West Ham have made Exequiel Palacios a priority midfield target
- Sky Sports report talks could advance soon
- Palacios impressed with 38 games for Leverkusen last season
- Guido Rodríguez and Lucas Paquetá could be sold to fund the rebuild
- Palacios is under contract until 2028 — a strong bid will be needed
What’s Next?
West Ham are expected to make initial contact with Bayer Leverkusen this week. If talks progress, they may submit a formal bid by mid-August. With midfield a clear priority, Palacios could be the first of multiple incoming signings at the London Stadium.
Would Exequiel Palacios be the perfect fit for Potter's midfield rebuild?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *