- Mateus Fernandes is likely to headline West Ham United’s exit
- The Hammers have made an enquiry for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan
- Mulligan won the club’s Young Player of the Year award this season
West Ham United’s rebuild plans are already taking shape, as the departures of key players will leave holes to fill in Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad. Although the finer details of who West Ham will target now that they are a Championship club remain unclear, it is evident that midfield will be an area for improvement given the likely sale of Mateus Fernandes, who has been linked to a cluster of European clubs.
Fernandes’ all-rounder profile would have excelled in the physical demands of Championship football. So, any replacement will likely need to command physicality, durability, and adaptability, which often matter just as much as technical quality.
As the Hammers begin planning for life in the second tier, attention is increasingly turning towards emerging talent rather than established names.
Hibernian’s Josh Mulligan subject to West Ham enquiry
West Ham have made an initial enquiry for Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan, according to well-informed journalist Ben Jacobs, with the 23-year-old emerging as one of the latest names under consideration ahead of a crucial summer transfer window.
“Understand West Ham have made an initial enquiry about Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan,” Jacobs posted on X. “No bid yet as West Ham clarify outgoings first. Midfielder only recently back from an ankle injury but is attracting interest from England.”
Mulligan has quietly established a prominent recognition in Scottish football. Following his breakthrough at Dundee, he joined Hibernian in 2025 and rapidly established himself as an important figure at Easter Road. In recent months, his all-action style, ability to take on many different roles, and unwavering energy have drawn admirers from across the UK and Europe.
Mulligan has recently attracted interest from Championship clubs, and is set to be under close attention this summer after helping Hibernian secure a Conference League qualification place in the Scottish Premiership. Any deal will have to be done with the knowledge that Dundee have a sell-on percentage inserted into Mulligan’s three-year deal with Hibernian.
In the season just gone, the Scotland Under-21 international ranks in the top three amongst the Hibernian squad for assists (5), successful dribbles per 90 (1.1), tackles per 90 (2.4), recoveries per 90 (6.2), possession won final third per 90 (0.8), fouls committed per 90 (1.9) and yellow cards (7); the type of performance that earned him Young Player of the Year and has drawn comparisons to John McGinn.
“He is a really infectious character who just gives you that lift,” said Hibernian head coach David Gray about the midfielder.
