Key Points

• West Ham United are reportedly interested in players from both Rangers and Celtic as part of a wider summer rebuild after relegation to the Championship.
• Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is one of the names linked, with reports saying West Ham like his passing range, versatility and desire to leave the Scottish champions.
• Rangers defender John Souttar is also said to be on West Ham’s radar, with his experience and defensive profile noted as attractive options.
• Former Rangers sporting director Nils Koppen has joined West Ham as director of player recruitment, and his knowledge of Scottish football is being presented as a factor in these links.
• Reports suggest West Ham are looking for value signings with resale potential as they reshape the squad for promotion.

Glasgow (Glasgow Express) July 23, 2026 – West Ham United are being linked with Rangers and Celtic players as the club prepares for a major rebuild following relegation to the Championship, with former Ibrox recruitment figure Nils Koppen now in a key role at the London club.

Why are West Ham looking at Rangers and Celtic players?

As reported by Glasgow World, the links to Scottish Premiership talent have emerged at a time when West Ham are trying to rebuild quickly and sensibly after dropping into the Championship.

The club are said to want players who can help them push for promotion while also offering long-term value and possible resale potential.

The appointment of Koppen has strengthened the sense that West Ham may look more closely at the Scottish market because he knows the league well from his time at Rangers.

Which Celtic player is being linked?

Celtic’s Reo Hatate is the main name mentioned in the latest reports, with West Ham said to admire his passing ability, midfield flexibility and creative qualities.

The i Paper, as reflected in the Glasgow World report, claimed Hatate fits the sort of attacking creator West Ham have lacked since Lucas Paqueta left in January. One report also said Hatate has made clear his wish to leave Celtic, which has added to the speculation around his future.

Why does John Souttar fit the picture?

Rangers defender John Souttar is the other prominent name in the reports, and he is being described as a possible recommendation from Koppen because of his knowledge of the player from his Rangers period.

The player is being linked as a strong centre-half with European experience, and that profile appears to match a club looking for defensive reliability while stepping into a demanding promotion campaign. West Ham are not the only side mentioned in connection with Souttar, with Leicester City also said to be among those interested.

What have the reports said about Koppen?

According to the coverage, Koppen’s move to West Ham has sharpened attention on Scottish-based targets because he already knows the Scottish market and the players in question.

Glasgow World said his “close up knowledge” of Hatate from Glasgow and his past at Ibrox could influence recruitment conversations.

The same reporting suggests Koppen’s background at Rangers may help West Ham identify players who are proven, adaptable and able to cope with a physical, high-pressure league.

Are other Celtic names being mentioned?

Yes. Another report said West Ham had considered up to three Celtic players, although only Hatate is firmly named in the latest story available here.

That reporting also said Daizen Maeda’s rumoured valuation would likely place him beyond West Ham’s price range, which would make Hatate the more realistic Celtic option of the names discussed there.

One other Celtic-linked name in the wider coverage was Arne Engels, but that report stressed that no formal approach had been made.

What does this mean for Rangers and Celtic?

For Celtic, the speculation places another first-team player under transfer scrutiny during a period when their squad could again be reshaped by interest from England.

For Rangers, the inclusion of Souttar in the discussion shows how West Ham’s new recruitment structure may draw on knowledge from both sides of the Glasgow divide.

The reports do not say either club has received an official bid, so at this stage the story remains one of interest and links rather than completed moves.

Background of the development

West Ham’s relegation has triggered a wider rethink about recruitment, with the club now operating in a lower division and needing a squad capable of immediate promotion.

That context explains why reports have focused on players who are established, relatively proven and potentially affordable rather than only marquee Premier League-level signings.

Koppen’s arrival has added a Scottish dimension to the club’s transfer thinking because his previous work at Rangers gives him familiarity with the market the Hammers are now being linked to.

What could happen next?

If the interest is genuine, the next stage would likely involve informal checks, valuation talks and a decision on whether West Ham can meet the asking prices for players such as Hatate or Souttar.

For supporters of Rangers and Celtic, the immediate impact is likely to be continued uncertainty around squad planning while the transfer window remains open.

For West Ham, these links suggest a recruitment strategy built around experience, market knowledge and promotion needs rather than short-term speculation alone.