Graham Potter to thank as deal struck for player who could transform West Ham’s season
Graham potter has had a busy transfer window as West Ham manager, having signed eight players.
Potter is facing intense scrutiny at West Ham as his side sit 16th in the Premier League following heavy defeats to Chelsea and Sunderland.
Although West Ham’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest shows promising signs, the Irons were very active on deadline day as they looked to bolster their squad.
The London Stadium departure of Nayef Aguerd emphasised that signing another defender was necessary.
One player Potter has signed has thanked him for his role in convincing the player to join the Hammers.
‘Convincing’ – Igor Julio thanks Potter after his role in negotiations
With West ham conceding eight goals in their first two games this season, additions in defence were seen as a priority on deadline day.
West Ham managed to sign Igor on loan from Brighton, with the centre-back appearing extremely happy to join West Ham.
Igor spoke positively in his first interview as a West Ham player.
He said: “First of all, he gave me the opportunity to come to a big club and told me he would use me.
“He told me that he would give me the chance I really need. That was very convincing.”
The Brazilian, who made 10 appearances for Brighton last season, has had quite a unique journey as a footballer.
- RB Salzburg – (2017 – 2019)
- SPAL (2019 – 2020)
- Fiorentina (2020 – 2023)
- Brighton – (2023 – now)
Bringing Premier League to West Ham, Igor should take no time to adapt, and could work out to be one of West ham’s smartest transfers in a while.
And it sounds as though Potter more than played his part in bringing in Igor, who could just be the man who helps transform the Hammers’ fortunes.
- Read more: West Ham officials already worry they won’t receive £19m from pre-agreed London Stadium exit
Igor Julio set to compete with Max Kilman
The left-footed centre-back will be eyeing up Kilman’s starting position, especially with Potter telling him that he would get his chance.
Kilman was an ever-present for West Ham last season, making 41 appearances in all competitions last season.
Having made an expensive £40m move from Wolves, Kilman is yet to truly deliver for West Ham.
Kilman’s shaky performances last season might have been due to a lack of serious competition in the squad.
Now, Igor’s arrival means Kilman will need to up his game if he is to retain his starting spot.
Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.