Julen Lopetegui made it clear when he accepted the role as Head Coach that he wanted a minimum of two players per position, and having inherited a thread bare squad, Tim Steidten and his team have been kept very busy during the transfer window.
What seemed odd though is that West Ham now find themselves with only three recognised first team centre backs having released Ogbonna, Zouma and loaned Aguerd to Real Sociedad.
The first two transfers make sense – Ogbonna had been a great servant to the club yet was not upto the rigours of the Premier league, and Zouma was a costly player whose injuries had caught up with him – it is reported that West Ham are paying half of his wages at his new club, Al-Orouba.
The loan of Aguerd is a surprise – he had a host of clubs interested and the most sensible transfer would have been to Al Ittihad who were willing to pay a loan to buy deal worth around £25m in total. Whereas the loan deal with the Spanish Ligue club will only net West Ham £1.8m with no option to buy and we are paying half of the players wages.
He made no secret that he wanted to leave and declined a number of options, so with the clock ticking down it now leaves West Ham with just three recognised first team centre backs – Mavropanos, Kilman and Todibo.
So what are the options – Kaelan Casey and Luizao who remained at the club are ready and waiting. Both players have impressed for the U-21s and are ready to step up if needed.
Casey is more likely to get game time, at 19 years old he has already appeared for the England U-20s and signed a four year contract with West Ham in August 2023. He made a brief cameo appearance in the Hammers 3-1 win against Luton Town earlier this year.
Luizao was of interest to a number of clubs, yet West Ham could not agree a transfer. The club wanted a sell on clause suggesting they feel the Brazilian has potential. At 22 he ideally needs first team football yet if he continues his development will surely be on the bench or have the opportunity to deputise if needed.
It will be interesting to see whether our three mainstay defenders can stay fit, yet could mean West Ham dip into the transfer war chest once again in January.
I’m happy with this so long as they get game time as subs before the injuries come. Same for Ollie Scarles, as much as I used to think well of Aaron Cresswell he is too old now for that position. Cresswell could do a job in the middle so long as we don’t have a particularly high line.
Not only short of a c/bk, l/bk is also short.
Should have signed a player that covers both these positions.
Two birds with one stone.
There was a number available but as they say that ship has sailed.
Fitness needs to shine on those available.
Not a good start with cover man Cresswell.
Agreed Scarles needs to start playing and not just on the day when it’s desperation time.