West Ham have announced the signing of France U21 international Soungoutou Magassa.
The defensive midfielder joins the Hammers from Ligue 1 club AS Monaco on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.
The Hammers have won the race to sign Magassa ahead of a number of leading European clubs, with the 21-year-old’s strength, versatility, ability to break up play and distribution setting him apart from other players of his age.
Magassa, who is also comfortable at centre-back, ranked second in tackles won in Ligue 1 and was amongst the leading defenders for interceptions and progressive passing in 2023/24.
This resulted in a move into midfield, where he ranked first for ball recoveries during the 2024/25 season.
Having been extensively scouted by the coaching staff and recruitment team, who identified both his ability to make an immediate impact and scope for future growth, the highly rated young Frenchman is looking forward to showcasing his talent in Claret and Blue.
He said: “I'm very happy to be here. West Ham is a very big Club, it has a long-standing history in England, with many supporters and a very big stadium. It wasn’t complicated to say ‘yes’.
“It's a dream to play for West Ham in the Premier League. It's the best league in the world. I'm going to do everything I can to show that I'm up to the task.
“It gives me great pride to play for this Club. I’m really motivated, I hope to bring freshness and youth and I'm going to give my all on the pitch.”
Meanwhile, head coach Graham Potter is delighted to have Magassa as part of the West Ham squad.
“We are very happy to welcome Soungoutou to West Ham United,” said Potter. “Like Mateus Fernandes, he is a young player who has made very impressive progress right at the start of his senior career.
“He has played regularly for Monaco over the past two seasons, including in the Champions League last year, and stood up really well to that test.
“Again, he has a range of attributes and qualities that we feel will complement what we already have at the Club and also help to improve us.
“Soungoutou is a determined, hungry and focused young man – we are looking forward to working with him and excited to see him continue his development with us.”
Magassa is the second player to sign for West Ham today (Friday) as Mateus Fernandes’ £41million switch from Southampton was confirmed as Potter completes a midfield overhaul.
