It’s funny how football works sometimes.

Back in 2020, after just escaping relegation, West Ham caused uproar among their fanbase by selling promising youngster Grady Diangana to West Bromwich Albion for an initial £12 million.

After a Championship campaign on loan at the Baggies, where he was one of the shining stars of the division, it was thought that the academy graduate would’ve been a key player for David Moyes in the following campaign. Instead, he was transferred to one of the Irons’ supposed relegation rivals in a move that even Mark Noble called out.

However, the move actually turned out to be a great bit of business. The Hammers secured Europa League football as Albion were relegated, and the whole Diangana saga was quickly forgotten, as the winger scored just once in 20 league appearances.

Now, in 2026, there is a possibility that history repeats itself. West Ham have just sold academy graduate Freddie Potts to Belgian side Club Brugge for around £10 million, a move that has split the fanbase.

Potts broke into the first team last season and was seen as a good midfield option for the upcoming campaign following the Irons’ relegation to the Championship. The midfielder had a successful spell at Portsmouth in England’s second tier, with Hammers fans hoping he would replicate that form for his boyhood club.

But he has now departed the club in a move that came out of nowhere, in all honesty. The sale has proved polarising – some West Ham fans believed he would be an important part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, while others believed the Hammers could do better.

Although I was initially baffled by the move, I’m now beginning to believe the latter, especially if Potts’ sale funds the acquisition of Celtic’s Arne Engels, who, at the same age, seems to be a much more complete midfield option. Provided the Engels deal, and others, get over the line, I think we may find ourselves in a similar situation to six years ago.

Of course, it was heartwarming to see a “real West Ham lad” break into the first team, and Potts had his moments. But following the departure of Mateus Fernandes, the Irons need a midfielder who is proactive on the ball and can drive Nuno’s side forward in possession.

I don’t think Potts is that player. In fact, I don’t think West Ham currently have any midfielder like that, hence the need for someone like Engels.

Ultimately, the move should suit all parties. West Ham receive money they can spend on an upgrade, and Potts gets to play regularly for a UEFA Champions League team. It’s always difficult to see a local lad leave the club, but I think this might prove to be a good bit of business in a year’s time.