adminWest Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Leeds United striker Joel Piroe, and with the transfer deadline rapidly approaching, the Hammers could make several more moves before the window shuts.
The 27-year-old Suriname international has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Elland Road since Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2025. Piroe managed only 246 minutes of league football last season, with Daniel Farke opting for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor ahead of him.
The former Swansea City striker is now expected to move to East London on loan with an obligation to buy, giving Nuno Espirito Santo another option in attack at the London Stadium.
Piroe would become West Ham’s third signing of the summer following Joel Veltman and Manor Solomon. However, with two weeks still remaining before the transfer window closes, the Hammers could strengthen in several other positions.
Here are four players who could realistically follow Piroe to West Ham.
Amario Cozier-Duberry
Brighton & Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry has attracted significant attention during the summer transfer window.
The former Arsenal academy player enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last season, scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists in 34 league appearances. His performances have raised questions over whether he is ready for a move to the Championship or even a higher level.
Rangers have already had a £7.5 million offer turned down for the 21-year-old, while Brighton are reportedly seeking around £10 million. Cozier-Duberry also has two years remaining on his contract at the Amex.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are understood to be interested as well, but West Ham could have an attractive proposition.
Jarrod Bowen remains the club’s first-choice option on the right wing, but adding genuine competition and greater depth could benefit the squad. Cozier-Duberry could provide an immediate alternative while also developing into a long-term asset.
Ao Tanaka
Another Leeds player who could be heading for the exit door is midfielder Ao Tanaka.
Like Piroe, the Japan international has found his opportunities limited since Leeds returned to the Premier League in 2025. At 27, Tanaka is entering his prime years and could welcome the opportunity to play more regularly elsewhere.
West Ham have already seen Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts leave this summer. Although Arne Engels’ arrival from Celtic has helped strengthen the midfield, another addition could be needed, especially with Edson Alvarez still expected to depart.
Leeds paid approximately £3 million to sign Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf two years ago, meaning they could potentially make a significant profit from his sale.
For West Ham, Tanaka would offer an affordable and experienced midfield option capable of adding energy, versatility and technical quality to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
Harry Amass
Manchester United youngster Harry Amass could also be available this summer, with reports suggesting the 19-year-old has a £6 million valuation.
Amass impressed during the first half of last season while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday before an injury disrupted his subsequent spell with Norwich City.
A permanent departure from Old Trafford could now be considered, with several Championship clubs reportedly keeping tabs on the talented defender.
West Ham could have a reason to enter the race. El Hadji Malick Diouf has been heavily linked with a £40 million move to Brentford, potentially leaving the Hammers searching for another left-back to provide competition for Ollie Scarles.
Amass is capable of playing as a traditional left-back or pushing further forward as a wing-back in a back-five system. Despite his limited senior experience, he has already demonstrated his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
At around £6 million, West Ham could see him as an attractive long-term investment with considerable potential for development.
James Tavernier
James Tavernier could provide West Ham with another experienced option, particularly if Aaron Wan-Bissaka completes his expected move to Aston Villa.
Such a departure would leave Kyle Walker-Peters as the club’s only obvious senior right-back, although Veltman could provide cover when necessary.
Tavernier left Rangers this summer following the expiration of his contract and could offer valuable experience, competition and attacking threat at right-back.
The 34-year-old spent 10 years at Ibrox, making 565 appearances in all competitions and registering an incredible 144 goals and 148 assists during his time with the Scottish giants.
Tavernier has reportedly spoken with several MLS clubs, including Charlotte, but West Ham have previously shown interest in the former Rangers captain.
For Nuno Espirito Santo, signing an experienced defender capable of challenging Walker-Peters for a starting place could be a sensible move, particularly if Wan-Bissaka leaves as expected.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Tavernier could emerge as an intriguing short-term solution for the Hammers.
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