The 2024/25 season proved to be a letdown for West Ham. Julen Lopetegui took the helm following David Moyes, and the Spanish manager received significant support, bringing in players like Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Niclas Fullkrug to strengthen the squad.
Lopetegui struggled to find his footing with the Hammers, leading to his dismissal in January 2025. The club then turned to Graham Potter, who had previously been at Chelsea, to take the reins.
Potter’s tenure has been marked by a notable lack of impact in recruitment, with his sole acquisition being the loan of Evan Ferguson, who has since returned to Brighton. At the same time, Jean-Clair Todibo has officially made a permanent move to the club, a decision that was set in motion when he initially joined on loan last season.
With the off-season underway, Potter has work to do, and it begins with the summer transfer window. Let’s take a look at five players he should bring to the London Stadium.
Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea (Defence)
West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma is set to depart the club when his contract concludes this summer. The Frenchman racked up more than 100 appearances for the Hammers, finding the back of the net on six occasions.
Zouma’s departure, coupled with the possible exits of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd, certainly leaves the Irons somewhat thin in the heart of their defence.
When evaluating online betting sites for EPL winner odds, West Ham’s horrid position of 750/1 could be shortened with one special talent from a rival club…
In Step Chalobah
West Ham would do well to consider Trevoh Chalobah, a Chelsea centre-back who embodies the qualities of an underrated, physically robust defender. With his Premier League experience and ongoing development, he could be a valuable addition to their squad.
At £25-30 million, Chalobah represents a prime opportunity for the Hammers. Even though Chalobah has been one of Chelsea’s most dependable defenders this season, he continues to be overlooked at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Chelsea, not due to his on-field contributions, but rather because the club is prioritising financial gain. West Ham must seize the opportunity.
Chalobah stands out as a reliable presence, boasting a track record of European success and has developed into a prominent leader at Stamford Bridge. Get him!
Chris Rigg from Sunderland (Midfield)
At only 17 years of age, Chris Rigg has already made his mark in the Sunderland first team, having transitioned to the senior squad after an impressive six-year stint in the club’s youth academy. An attacking midfielder with a knack for operating from a deeper position, Rigg has caught the eye of West Ham as he played a pivotal role in Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs.
Sunderland has witnessed a surge of interest in several of their players as they push towards promotion. Jobe Bellingham is poised to make a move to Borussia Dortmund, a development that could heighten the club’s reluctance to let go of Rigg, who has been hailed as “the best young English player since Jude Bellingham.”
If West Ham manages to secure Rigg’s signature, it would represent a savvy move in their recruitment strategy. With Potter seeking to inject youth into an ageing midfield that includes players like Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse, and Guido Rodriguez, this acquisition could be pivotal as the club aims to bounce back from a season they’d prefer to erase from memory.
Daniel Cummings from Celtic B (Striker)
Graham Potter has publicly stated his intention to reduce the average age of the Premier League’s oldest squad.
The Englishman has expressed his desire to reduce the West Ham squad, citing an excess of senior players for a club not competing in European tournaments. He believes this situation hinders the development of the unity and team spirit essential for achieving success.
Much like the importance of signing youthful players like Rigg, the Hammers need to think about the future over experience for once, and that’s why Daniel Cummings, currently a striker for Celtic B, is a player who deserves to wear the claret and blue of West Ham officially.
We haven’t had an official announcement that Cummings has signed on the dotted line yet, but we believe Potter should do everything in his power to snatch up this young star.
He found the back of the net with ease last season for the Celtic youth team, tallying close to 30 goals across all competitions. At just 19 years old, he stands tall and strong, reminiscent of a younger Füllkrug, and is already being hailed as a deadly finisher.
Harvey Elliot from Liverpool (Left Back)
A 22-year-old footballer showcasing immense potential, significant resale value, and approaching 100 appearances in the Premier League already.
A footballer with the relentless work ethic and technical skills that Graham Potter seeks, along with the creative flair needed to alleviate the heavy load on Jarrod Bowen’s shoulders.
The potential transfer of Harvey Elliott to West Ham United presents a scenario where the downsides are minimal, as not only does he have experience at the highest level, but he also meets Potter’s desire to lower his club’s average age.
After a season characterised by limited playing time, a transfer to the London Stadium would provide Elliott with a new beginning, generate significant profit for Liverpool, and allow West Ham to secure one of the most promising young talents in English football well ahead of his prime.
Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge (Defensive Midfield)
This isn’t a case of ‘should,’ but more of a ‘try harder.’
Onyedika, primarily a defensive midfielder, would bolster West Ham’s midfield with his tenacity and provide crucial support to the defence. He stands out as one of the club’s prime transfer targets, and it’s easy to see why.
West Ham’s midfield is in turmoil. The team is in need of a high-calibre central midfielder, and while Tomas Soucek remains the most dependable choice, he certainly doesn’t provide a comprehensive answer to the issue.
Alvarez’s prospects at West Ham are becoming increasingly uncertain. Onyedika is poised to step in effortlessly, as the Hammers are expected to capitalise on the Mexican’s departure.
Unfortunately, West Ham is one of multiple clubs eyeing Onyedika this summer. The Nigerian international, whose contract runs through the summer of 2027, has emerged as a key player in Belgium this season, and if the Hammers should fight harder than most for one specific player, he’s the guy!
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