This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
West Ham are in talks to sign Brighton defender Adam Webster on a free transfer, according to reports.
The 31-year-old is not a new target for the Hammers, who originally tried to recruit him on loan during the 2025 January transfer window.
However, with Webster’s contract set to expire at the end of this month, The Sun claim that a deal for the centre-back is being explored.
With the player available for nothing, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are unsurprisingly not the only team weighing up a move for the former Bristol City player. However, his fitness is a concern for potential suitors.
Webster has not played for over a year
The centre-half did not play a single minute of football last season after picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Webster is still undergoing rehabilitation, but the fact that his last match against Tottenham on May 25th, 2025 came almost 13 months ago will raise concerns about whether he would be a suitable signing.
The absence of a transfer fee does lower the risk considerably, and the terms of his contract could be negotiated in such a way that payments are weighted towards playing time.
Get a West Ham 1975 FA Cup Final Bukta Shirt from Fanatics here
West Ham are looking at other targets
Webster is one of three centre-backs who insider ExWHUEmployee has named as potential options to strengthen the middle of defence.
Middlesbrough’s Dael Fry is said to feature prominently on the shortlist, while Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi could be targeted. Like Webster, the Dutchman is also set to become a free agent.
Of course, finances will determine which players the Irons ultimately end up pursuing. If they do raise significant funds from the departures of Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville, it would make life a lot easier for Nuno.
Want more news on West Ham? Add Hammers Headlines as a preferred source on Google