West Ham can part ways with Graham Potter at the end of next season without any compensation being paid, according to reports.

The former Brighton and Chelsea head coach signed a two-and-a-half-year deal when he took the hot seat at the London Stadium back in January.

However, Claret & Hugh claim that the club have an option to end Potter’s stay with the Hammers in the summer of 2026 if things don’t work out.

It is believed that this clause is a compromise of sorts. West Ham were initially hoping for Potter to agree to a six-month contract and then see how things go.

That wasn’t an arrangement that was acceptable to the 49-year-old and he ultimately signed on the dotted line with a deal extending until 2027.

Potter has it all to prove

It’s fair to say that it has been an underwhelming start to life with the Irons. Potter has struggled to implement his style of play with a squad that doesn’t meet his requirements.

His record of 3 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats in 11 games does not make for good reading. In truth, performances have not been much better, with only 10 goals scored and 13 conceded.

An overhaul of the West Ham squad is needed

Potter does have the full backing of the board and that means there could be a considerable number of incomings and outgoings over the summer as the team is reshaped.

The fact that Kyle Macaulay was hired as Head of Recruitment demonstrates that the club are ready to give the manager control of signings.

Macaulay has worked with Potter at both Brighton and Chelsea, putting together scouting reports and providing advice on recruiting players. With Tim Steidten having left, the manager will take full ownership of the decisions made in the transfer market.

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