West Ham United Set to Debut Four Players Against Sunderland

SELHURST PARK, England — West Ham United‘s head coach Graham Potter could hand four new players their debuts in the 2025/26 Premier League opener against Sunderland on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The debutants include El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson, and Mads Hermansen, who all made recent summer moves to the club. Diouf joined from Slavia Prague, Walker-Peters from Southampton, Wilson from Newcastle United, and Hermansen from Leicester City.

At a press conference at Rush Green, Potter expressed excitement about the new players but refrained from disclosing his starting lineup. When asked about Hermansen possibly starting as goalkeeper, he said, “We’re delighted with the signing. I think he provides some real competition in that position.” Potter also confirmed the team will adapt after losing former goalkeeper Łukasz Fabiański.

In addition, Freddie Potts from West Ham’s academy has been performing well in pre-season and might make his Premier League debut after a successful loan at Portsmouth last season. Still, two players will not participate; winger Crysencio Summerville is recovering from a hamstring injury, while George Earthy is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during training.

Potter reassured fans regarding the team’s fitness, stating, “We’re pretty much close to full availability.” The team aims to put behind a poor last season that ended with them finishing 14th in the league.

Sunderland, who are back in the Premier League following a four-season stint in League One, will be hosting the Hammers at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats gained promotion by defeating Coventry City and Sheffield United in the play-offs.

Sunderland has made extensive signings totaling over £146 million and are looking to build a competitive squad. Club captain Granit Xhaka—who has yet to play this season—might be in the lineup, along with several new recruits including goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

West Ham’s previous performances at the Stadium of Light haven’t been promising; they are winless in eight encounters against Sunderland since 2013. As both teams prepare for the new season, the match is set to be crucial for laying down a strong foundation.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST on Saturday.