Former West Ham United striker Divin Mubama is closing in on a move to Championship rivals Southampton after Fabrizio Romano confirmed a verbal agreement has been reached with Manchester City.
Mubama came through West Ham’s academy before leaving east London for City in 2024, having struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team option.
The 21-year-old could now find himself facing his former club during the Championship promotion race.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Southampton have reached a verbal agreement to sign Mubama on loan, although Manchester City must still give their final approval before the move can be completed.
Divin Mubama set for another Championship opportunity
Another season in the Championship would give Mubama the chance to continue rebuilding momentum after spending the 2025/26 campaign with Stoke City.
The striker made 26 league appearances and scored five goals during his time with Stoke before injury brought his campaign to an early end. Manchester City confirmed ahead of their summer tour that Mubama had recovered and was ready to return to action.
Southampton now appear to be at the front of the queue to offer him regular senior football.
The timing is particularly interesting from a West Ham perspective because Nuno Espírito Santo is conducting his own search for another centre-forward before the new league campaign.
ReadWestHam reported earlier today that West Ham are preparing to continue their pursuit of Troy Parrott despite AZ Alkmaar rejecting their opening offer.
Mubama once represented one possible long-term solution from within West Ham’s academy, but his career has taken a different route since leaving the club.
He has since gained valuable senior experience with City and Stoke, while a move to Southampton would put him into another side expected to compete towards the top end of the Championship.
The deal is not complete yet, with City’s approval still required.
If that arrives, Mubama will have another opportunity to establish himself at senior level and could even come up against the club where his career began.
