What needs to be done for West Ham to push forwards in the Premier League?
It is impossible to escape the noise regarding supposed summer departures from the London Stadium, with the midfield department dominating many a gossip column. Over the course of the coming weeks, the need to acquire another proven performer in that area of the field may jump to the top of West Ham’s to-do list.
There should be plenty of money in the bank to invest in another candidate to occupy the Hammers’ engine room, and enough options in the global market to suggest that no square pegs will be shoved into role holes.
Murmurs And Rumours The Order Of The Day
One of those to be generating the odd transfer murmur is Kalvin Phillips – an England international that is well versed in the art of midfield water carrying. Jumping ship at Manchester City is not a decision to be taken lightly, with the newly-crowned Premier League champions priced at 8/15 in EPL title odds to successfully defend that crown in 2023-24 while making it four successive triumphs in the process.
Phillips has been given a taste of domestic dominance, having previously turned out at the Championship level with Leeds, and may believe that he can still convince Pep Guardiola of his worth, despite finding regular game time hard to come by under the most demanding of coaches.
Wow… What a feeling. So proud to be a part of this club, surrounded by world class teammates, staff, and of course the fans who help to make moments like these possible, a day I’ll never forget. Thank you for all the support but it’s not over yet 💙🏆 pic.twitter.com/0WINshbCVz
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) May 21, 2023
If personal ambition were to shift in a different direction, with it determined that minutes on the field are worth more than medals around the neck, then David Moyes would likely throw open the doors in east London to a proven performer at the highest level – one that England boss Gareth Southgate retains considerable faith in.
West Ham needs to ensure that a smooth transition is made if the worst were to happen in the next window, with the grass elsewhere beginning to look a little greener to some. Bringing in Premier League experience should, at least in theory, help to tick that box.
Phillips would not come cheap, but neither is he going to demand the kind of fee that would price the Hammers out of the race for his signature. If sizeable sums are brought in from any sales, then funds with which to draft in suitable replacements will hardly be in short supply. Phillips could be a perfect fit, as he would arrive in the capital with something to prove. Having seen his stock soar at Leeds, leaving a professional comfort zone has proved problematic.
History For West Ham United
For a man who represents what the Academy of Football is all about ❤️⚒#MN16 pic.twitter.com/7bnp9Ntcsq
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 20, 2022
West Ham boasts a rich history when it comes to bringing the best out of home-grown talent, and they could be the ones to get Phillips back on track. He would be an important part of Moyes’ plans, allowing him to play his way into form and shake the rust that has started to build in Manchester.
A well-oiled machine in the East End has plenty of moving parts, and the odd screw will need to be tightened if certain bits begin to fall off, but Phillips screwdrivers are made for that type of job and the Hammers can land themselves one with the right show of intent.
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