West Ham United have reportedly been handed an early advantage in the race for Watford midfielder Imrân Louza, with Southampton also pushing to sign the Morocco international.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s midfield could undergo further change before the transfer window closes, particularly with Edson Álvarez pushing for a move away from east London.
According to AfricaFoot, West Ham and Southampton both want to advance discussions for Louza, but the player’s entourage currently favours the Hammers’ project. No final decision has yet been made.
West Ham handed Imran Louza advantage
Louza would arrive with extensive experience of the division West Ham are trying to escape.
The 27-year-old made 42 Championship appearances for Watford last season, starting 41 times and producing seven goals and nine assists. Watford also list him as their leading appearance-maker across the entire 2025/26 campaign.
His creativity could become particularly useful if Álvarez departs.
ReadWestHam reported on Tuesday that Álvarez has asked West Ham to let him leave, with Real Sociedad currently providing the strongest route towards an exit.
West Ham have already added £22m signing Arne Engels to Nuno’s midfield, but Louza would offer a different profile with proven Championship creativity.
He is also a player ReadWestHam identified much earlier in the summer. In June, Louza was named as one of four Championship midfielders who could strengthen West Ham, having ranked highly for passing and chance creation.
Southampton remain firmly in the race and Louza’s representatives are continuing to assess other options.
But if AfricaFoot’s latest information is accurate, West Ham appear to have one potentially important advantage as the battle for one of the Championship’s most productive midfielders develops.
