West Ham United officially announced on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the signing of Soungoutou Magassa, a young Franco-Malian midfielder, from AS Monaco for a transfer fee around €20 million. The deal, carefully negotiated over recent weeks, includes an initial payment of €17 million plus an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses. This signing aligns with the London club’s clear strategy to integrate young and versatile talents to strengthen its midfield.
At only 20 years old, Magassa quickly established himself as one of the most technical and intelligent midfielders in Ligue 1, capable of playing both defensive and more advanced midfield roles. Trained at Monaco, he made his professional debut in 2022, showing remarkable maturity and potential that attracted attention from several top European clubs. West Ham acted swiftly to secure this talent before the end of the transfer window.
Coach Julen Lopetegui welcomes Magassa’s integration enthusiastically, expecting him to help invigorate a part of the field identified as a priority for reinforcement. This acquisition should provide valuable squad depth and be a long-term investment blending immediate competitiveness with financial stability.
Such an operation underlines the ongoing rise of African and African-descendant players in major European leagues, particularly the Premier League, where Magassa’s profile—combining technique, versatility, and youth—is much sought after. This transfer also confirms the increasing influence of Franco-African footballers who continue to supply the international market with talented players.