West Ham loanee could be sent back in January, talks held over new move – report

Maxwel Cornet’s loan spell at Southampton from West Ham United could come to an early end in January, according to recent reports. The 28-year-old attacker, who made the move to St. Mary’s on Deadline Day in August, has struggled to secure consistent playing time with his new club. Having made just two starts for Southampton so far this season, there is growing speculation that his loan could be cut short in the upcoming transfer window.

Jack Rosser, a journalist for The Sun, revealed on social media (X) on December 2 that Cornet’s situation could change in the new year. He reported that with Southampton keen on bringing in a new left winger, they would need to free up space in their squad, which might mean parting ways with Cornet. The Ivorian has only made four appearances for the Saints this term, and with limited game time, it seems he has fallen out of favor under Southampton’s current management.

Before moving to Southampton, Cornet’s future at West Ham was already uncertain. He had not featured for the Hammers this season and was essentially excluded from the first-team plans under manager David Moyes. In the previous campaign, Cornet’s involvement had been minimal, as he made just 16 appearances across all competitions, with only three of those being starts. He was part of a squad that finished mid-table in the Premier League, but his limited role raised doubts about his future at the club.

West Ham is reportedly already planning for Cornet’s potential return in January, but the club has not expressed a strong desire to reintegrate him into the first-team setup. Under new manager Julen Lopetegui, West Ham have struggled in the league, and it seems unlikely that Cornet would have a significant role in the team if he were to return to the London Stadium. The Hammers have reportedly been in talks with clubs overseas, discussing the possibility of another loan deal for the rest of the season.

The prospect of another move for Cornet is not surprising given his limited impact at both West Ham and Southampton this term. His lack of playing time at both clubs reflects a broader issue with his form and the fit within the team dynamics. Southampton’s need for a new left winger may offer an opportunity for Cornet to continue his career elsewhere, but it is clear that his future lies away from West Ham in the near term. Even though West Ham has been struggling under Lopetegui, it appears that Cornet no longer fits into the manager’s plans, and his exit from the club could be permanent rather than temporary.

Southampton’s situation is also complicated by their own squad limitations. The club would need to make room for a new signing, and Cornet’s potential departure could open up a spot for a fresh face in the January transfer window. The Saints are looking to strengthen their squad, and bringing in a left winger is a priority, but the team must first manage their existing loan arrangements before making any new moves.

Despite his limited opportunities at Southampton, Cornet’s career is far from over, and the January transfer window may present new possibilities for him. Clubs in Europe and further afield might be more suitable destinations, where he could get the regular playing time that has eluded him in recent seasons. For now, it seems that his time in the Premier League, at least with West Ham and Southampton, is nearing its end.

In the broader context of West Ham’s season, the club is in the midst of navigating a difficult period, with manager Julen Lopetegui facing challenges in improving the team’s performance. The Hammers have had a rough start to the season, and even though they have struggled, Cornet’s absence from the first team indicates that he is no longer part of the club’s future plans. As the January transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen what moves will be made, but for Maxwel Cornet, a fresh start may be on the horizon.