West Ham United will likely face the daunting task of replacing David Moyes at the end of the season, and any potential new manager will probably have a squad overhaul to oversee.
Moyes’ contract is set to end in June, and no signs of renewed terms are being agreed upon. The man who led the club to European glory in 2023 will likely be followed out the door by a host of others who have run down their contracts.
The Hammers are inevitably going to need a significant amount of signings for the first XI as well as for the squad’s overall depth.
Here we will detail the most crucial areas that must be addressed alongside the likely managerial turnaround this summer.
Versatile creative midfielder
West Ham’s biggest departure this summer will almost certainly be Lucas Paqueta if he joins Manchester City – which seems incredibly likely.
Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites to secure their fourth consecutive title offered at 4/9 in Premiership betting odds. Becoming a part of that sustained success will likely be too much for the Brazilian to turn down.
Today wasn’t a good day for us, but we have the chance to decide it at home in front of our supporters… let’s go together until the end! ❤️🙏🏽⚒️ pic.twitter.com/uae55vUNbO
— Lucas Paquetá (@LucasPaqueta97) March 7, 2024
Adequately replacing the midfield magician will represent the club’s toughest task this summer. They will need to find a creative forward-thinking player, that can be deployed on the wings when needed.
Several options match that profile in England and abroad ahead of the transfer window. If Luton Town are relegated then Ross Barkley could be a smart acquisition. He netted five goals and four assists in his opening 28 league appearances of the season after joining the relegation-threatened side on a free transfer last August.
Looking across the top European leagues, Aleksandr Golovin from AS Monaco would undoubtedly fit the bill too. He can play as an advanced eight like Paqueta or on the left-hand side and tends to press when out of possession.
Commanding central defender
West Ham will certainly need a new rock at the back this summer. Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell are set to leave on free transfers and Nayef Aguerd could perhaps leave considering he has lacked consistency throughout his East London career so far.
There are a few potential defensive replacements that could come in for the outgoing stars. Jonathan Tah will be available as a free agent in the summer and the German could provide leadership and experience in the heart of defence.
Tosin Adarabioyo would also be an intelligent addition when his contract at London rivals Fulham expires at the end of June. He would not necessarily be a constant starting option but would provide crucial depth amid the likely mass exodus in July.
New primary goalscorer
Jarrod Bowen has been West Ham’s top goalscorer this season as he has regularly started upfront due to Michail Antonio’s fitness woes. However, the team would without doubt be improved by the acquisition of a natural centre forward, with Bowen returning to the right wing.
The safest option would be to sign one of the Premier League’s proven goalscorers. England international Ivan Toney is a player that Brentford coach Thomas Frank has said will likely be sold in the summer. With just a year left on his contract, he possibly wouldn’t deplete all of the transfer budget either.
🚨 | West Ham have made an enquiry surrounding the availability of Ivan Toney. Brentford are said to want around £35-40 million for the player at the moment. Chelsea and Arsenal remain interested. @Plettigoal pic.twitter.com/D9gBhrJSj6
— Joe Davis (@whujoe) April 10, 2024
Dominic Solanke could be another candidate for the long-term West Ham striker role, although he would likely cost a larger sum off the back of the greatest season of his career.
Ultimately, the club has huge work to do across the board this summer, but there are a few positions in which sufficient recruitment is of paramount importance if they are to continue to fight in the league and the latter stages of European competition in future seasons.
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