West Ham are considering a deal for a former Premier League star who hasn’t played in 12 months.

West Ham are already preparing for life in the Championship following their relegation, and recruitment will be a major focus over the coming weeks as the club looks to build a squad capable of challenging for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Although co-owner Daniel Kretinsky has reportedly assured supporters that the club will not be forced into selling key players, there remains a strong possibility that several members of the current squad will seek moves to remain in the top flight. As a result, replacements will be needed, and the Hammers are expected to rely heavily on both the loan market and free-agent signings to strengthen their options without spending significant transfer fees.

Championship regulations allow clubs greater flexibility with loan players, making that route particularly attractive for West Ham as they attempt to rebuild while keeping finances under control.

Free transfers are also expected to play a key role in the club’s summer strategy. According to reports from The Sun Ireland, West Ham have already explored the possibility of signing former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Adam Webster following the expiration of his contract.

The report claims that the Hammers are considering a move for the experienced centre-back despite concerns over his recent injury record.

Webster, now 31, has not featured in a competitive match for more than a year after suffering a serious ACL injury. The defender missed the entirety of last season while recovering from the setback and was not offered a new deal by Brighton at the conclusion of the campaign.

Despite his release, Webster has continued his rehabilitation programme with Brighton as he works towards a full recovery and a return to first-team football.

Interest in the defender is not limited to West Ham, with several clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. However, his lengthy absence from competitive action has naturally raised questions about his fitness and whether he can regain the level that made him a reliable Premier League performer in previous years.

This is not the first time Webster has appeared on West Ham’s radar. Reports suggest the club previously explored the possibility of bringing him to the London Stadium on loan during the January 2025 transfer window, when former Brighton manager Graham Potter was in charge of the Hammers.

That previous interest could help explain why the club remains attentive to Webster’s situation as he searches for a new employer.

One possibility being discussed is whether West Ham could offer a performance-related contract, similar to the arrangement they used with striker Callum Wilson. Such a deal could reduce the financial risk associated with signing a player who is returning from a long-term injury.

Despite the concerns surrounding his fitness, Webster is still regarded as a player who could contribute at Championship level. At 31 years of age, many believe he still has several productive seasons left and could provide valuable experience and depth in central defence.

His arrival would become even more relevant if West Ham succeed in moving on Jean-Clair Todibo during the transfer window.

However, while Webster could be a useful squad option, questions remain over whether he can be relied upon as a regular starter after spending an entire year on the sidelines.

The club’s priority in defence is expected to be finding a high-quality replacement for Axel Disasi, whose loan spell came to an end this summer. Replacing the French defender is seen as a key objective, particularly if West Ham are serious about mounting a promotion challenge.

In that context, Webster may represent a sensible addition to improve squad depth and provide cover across a demanding Championship campaign. Nevertheless, he is unlikely to be viewed as the complete solution to the defensive issues facing the club.

As West Ham continue their preparations for the new season, the pursuit of experienced and affordable options such as Webster highlights the balancing act they face. The Hammers must strengthen sufficiently to compete for promotion while remaining financially responsible following relegation.

Whether Adam Webster ultimately arrives remains to be seen, but his situation is one that West Ham appear to be monitoring closely as they reshape their squad for life in the second tier.