Freddie Potts says it wasn’t easy to leave West Ham United for Club Brugge in the summer window.
Monday’s edition of Het Nieuwsblad has a detailed interview with the 22-year-old.
Potts explains what convinced him to leave West Ham, why he picked Club Brugge and talks about a few other topics.
Father excited about West Ham exit
The defensive midfielder came up through the ranks of the Hammers’ youth system and made his way into their first team in 2021.
He made 28 appearances for the London club and was part of their UEFA Conference League winning squad in 2023.
On this success, he said: “I was barely 19, so that was special. Especially because I am also just a West Ham fan.”
When asked about how he’s adapting in Belgium, Freddie Potts opened up about the tough decision to leave the Championship side.
“Well, it was quite a difficult decision to leave England and West Ham. 16 years is a long time, isn’t it? I grew up with my teammates, who are still my best friends,” Potts explained.
His father, Steve Potts, spent close to two decades of his playing career at West Ham. He’s now part of Nuno Espírito Santo’s coaching staff, as his assistant. Steve was excited about his son’s decision to leave the Hammers.
“Actually, he was excited right away. He supports my decision and immediately saw that this is a great opportunity to play in the Champions League and to continue developing myself,” he added.
“My father hadn’t expected teams from outside England to show interest. Most Brits just stay in England, but I was ready to challenge myself.”
Why Potts left West Ham
Freddie Potts reveals the English club’s relegation from the Premier League and lack of assurances over a prominent role in the Championship convinced him to leave West Ham United.
“West Ham were relegated to the Championship, and during pre-season, I felt that I wouldn’t be playing a leading role this season,” he said.
On August 3rd, the Belgian media talked about Club Brugge’s interest in the player. A day later, he completed a permanent move.
The midfielder says he rejected English clubs to join the Jupiler Pro League side.
“Just at that moment, Club Brugge came knocking. I was immediately convinced, and everything was finalised within 10 days. I also had other options in England and the Premier League, but no one could match Club Brugge on a sporting level,” he added.
Club Brugge are offering Champions League football and Potts can make his competition debut against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
“Playing in the Champions League was always my dream. Every child wants that, right? So, I’m living my dream on Tuesday,” the midfielder explained.
