West Ham could sign next Bastian Schweinsteiger with bold summer transfer raid for £20m wonderkid gem

West Ham could do with getting some new signings through the door this summer. The Hammers have the opportunity to bring in reinforcements over the next couple of months. They also have the chance to let some players head out the exit door if needed as well.

Things haven’t gone to plan yet for Graham Potter but he has time on his side. The former Swansea City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea boss was picked as their replacement for Julen Lopetegui during last season. However, results haven’t quite gone their way yet and he has struggled for wins.

West Ham target Rocco Reitz deal

According to TEAMtalk, West Ham are interested in a move for Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Rocco Reitz. The report suggests the player has a release clause around £20 million and is under contract until June 2028. Fulham and Brighton and Hove Albion have also been mentioned as potential suitors so there is competition for his signature.

Reitz, 23, has been compared to Bayern Munich icon Bastian Schweinsteiger on social media by reporter Carlos Xavier Arguello on X. He has been on the books at Gladbach for his whole career to date. He has risen up through their academy ranks and he was a regular for them at various different youth levels.

The Germany youth international, who helped his country reach the Under-21’s European Championships recently, was loaned out to Sint-Truidense V.V. in Belgium twice to get some experience under his belt. He made a combined 36 appearances in all competitions for his former club and chipped in with three goals.

Reitz broke into Gladbach’s first-team back in 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. He has played 86 matches for the Bundesliga outfit and has fired eight goals, two of which came in the last campaign. His current club may now face a battle to keep hold of him amid attention from England and will be desperate to keep hold of him for as long as they can do.

Why Rocco Reitz would suit West Ham

West Ham could see Reitz as someone to boost their midfield ranks and inject more energy and enthusiasm. If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. He would also give the London outfit something different to pick from.

He is still young and has potential to develop down the line. Potter needs robust players who are able to deal with the competitive nature of the top flight. Therefore, getting the right characters through the door over the next couple of months is crucial.

As with anyone from abroad, it may take Reitz a while to adapt to life in a new country. Therefore, patience would be required whilst he initially found his feet. Once a few months have passed though and he has settled there is no reason why he wouldn’t be able to become a key player.

Potter is an experienced manager and will want to put his own stamp on his West Ham team in this window. He will be under pressure to get results from the off next term. If not, the Hammers’ hierarchy may well have another managerial decision to make if they are competing at the lower end of the table.

Fulham and Brighton have also been linked with Reitz meaning they may have to get their skates on to get a deal over the line. The latter have a very impressive scouting network and the fact they have identified the Duisburg-born man suggests he is someone with potential. Time will tell where he ends up, if he is indeed to leave Germany for a new challenge somewhere else.