By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham may well have to sell before buying again, Claret & Hugh have been told by a Hammers insider while discussing the club’s midfield situation.
As things stand, Soungoutou Magassa is absent with a short-term injury, whilst Tomas Soucek is not expected to be available for the start of the season.
However, as we covered earlier, attempts to thin out the West Ham squad by selling the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez have so far failed and, as such, Nuno Espírito Santo still has quite a large selection of midfielders at his disposal.
Nuno Has Plenty Of Options
Speaking yesterday, our source told us:
“Nuno’s got quite a lot of players in midfield. He did want to bring two in, but nobody has left yet and he’s open to seeing what Alvarez can do.”
Whilst Mateus Fernandes has joined Spurs, West Ham still have Songu Magassa, Tomas Soucek, Edson Álvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Mohamadou Kanté, Freddie Potts and Lewis Orford on the books to play in central midfield.
Something Has To Give
Our source added:
“Nuno may bring someone else in, but something has to give. I’d expect him to sell first.”
That would certainly make sense.
Whilst West Ham’s owners are keen to strengthen the squad, there appears little point adding further midfielders until the current group is trimmed.
Should players such as Ward-Prowse or Álvarez move on, it could quickly create the room Nuno needs to add the creativity the squad is still lacking during this transfer window.
If the positive words from within the club are to borne out on the pitch we simply have to make changes in the midfield as it’s, slow, lacks creativity and lacks drive. I’m most concerned to see the phrase “Nuno has options” used by your source gonzo, as he may have bodies but he certainly doesn’t have adequate resources or options
As listed number of options in mid field but is there anybody which can replace Fernandez.
Looks like Soucek will be out for at least 8 weeks this could represent 8 tough matches.
Appears at present losing Soucek and Fernandez will cause problems, no pace or creativity.
Will Potts, Magassa, Kante suffice if not then a replacement needs to come in.
Summerville explosive pace (and goals) will be missed additionally ready made striker needed.
Still Disarsi appears to be questioned, experience or youth (many links).
Early days but reports on friendlies are making these replacements much necessities.
Championship is not going to be a push over that many are predicting.
Fatigue, injuries and suspensions could become a problem.
I suppose it depends on how we set up but if it’s to be more of a 4-2-3-1 then it’s really that central attacking number 10 type role where we are short. Fernandes could play deeper and still be a creator but realistically are we going to be able to attract a direct replacement of similar quality? More likely to be 2 from what we still have with a new signing or Pablo in a more advanced position.
Other than the obvious clash with management – mainly Potter, not Nuno – there’s no reason why Álvarez couldn’t be a real stand-out player in the championship. He might not like the wage cut, but it doesn’t look like he’s going to get much game time elsewhere, so West Ham could still be his best bet.
Captain if his national side, he could provide much of the on-field leadership we need and lessen the burden on Bowen.
Alvarez and Magassa both have international experience playing in central defence.
JWP would be excellent for Championship level football, providing creativity and passing, keeping the ball moving and a dead ball threat.
Kante, Orford, Earthy, fearon, etc. Can all benefit from his experience
And Soucek us going to terrorise defences.
Why spend on new when the bredth of talent available is better than most Championship clubs have?
Exactly.
We like the excitement of new signings, but we’re well covered. This may not seem obvious in the early pre-season but the purpose at the moment is to assess the younger players.
The only area I think we need to upgrade now is an experienced CB. Todibo seems certain to leave.