Lyon and Marseille join race for West Ham midfielder Soungoutou Magassa

French clubs Lyon and Marseille have reportedly entered the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Soungoutou Magassa.

Both sides are understood to be monitoring the 22-year-old midfielder, who is of France and Malian roots as they explore options to strengthen their squads. Any attempt to sign Magassa, however, is likely to face significant competition.

According to the report, Turkish giants Galatasaray, German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt and Italian powerhouse Juventus are also keeping tabs on the French-born midfielder.

The growing interest in Magassa comes after an encouraging first season in English football with West Ham.

The Stains-born player joined the Hammers from AS Monaco last summer in a transfer worth around €17 million, with the Premier League club viewing him as a player capable of developing into an important part of their midfield.

Despite being only 22, Magassa made 26 appearances across all competitions for West Ham during the 2025/26 campaign.

He contributed one goal and one assist during the season, gaining valuable experience in English football and demonstrating his ability to compete at a high level.

Magassa’s versatility and technical qualities have reportedly attracted the attention of several clubs across Europe, with Lyon and Marseille now considering moves for the midfielder.

A potential return to France could also represent an interesting opportunity for Magassa, who developed his career in French football before making the move to England.

However, any transfer will depend heavily on West Ham’s position.

Magassa remains under contract with the London club until 2031, meaning West Ham are not under immediate pressure to sell the midfielder.

Nevertheless, the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship has significantly changed the financial landscape at the club.

The drop out of the Premier League means West Ham are expected to look for ways to generate additional revenue, and the sale of valuable players could become an important part of their strategy.

Magassa could therefore emerge as one of the players whose departure generates a significant transfer fee.

West Ham have already raised substantial funds from major player sales during the current transfer window.

The London club have reportedly collected more than €175 million following the departures of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville to Al-Hilal.

Those sales have provided West Ham with considerable financial resources, but further departures could still be required as the club adjusts to life in the Championship.

Magassa’s long-term contract gives West Ham a strong negotiating position, particularly if competition for his signature continues to increase.

The midfielder’s age and experience also make him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to invest in a player who could provide both immediate quality and long-term potential.

Lyon and Marseille could therefore face a difficult battle to convince West Ham to part ways with the player.

The French clubs would also have to contend with interest from Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt and Juventus, all of whom are reportedly following the midfielder’s situation.

At this stage, no formal bid has been submitted by Lyon or Marseille, meaning the transfer remains at the monitoring and exploratory stage.

However, the growing list of interested clubs could accelerate developments if one of the potential suitors decides to make the first official approach.

For Magassa, the interest represents recognition of the progress he has made since leaving Monaco for West Ham.

A move to another European club would give him the opportunity to continue his development, while a return to Ligue 1 could provide him with familiar surroundings and another chance to establish himself in French football.

West Ham, meanwhile, must decide whether Magassa remains part of their plans for their Championship campaign or whether his sale could provide another significant financial boost.

With the midfielder tied to the club until 2031 and several prominent European clubs reportedly interested, his future could become one of the transfer stories to watch as the summer window progresses.