It’s a new era for the Hammers this season, with a new manager at the helm and some attractive signings. After finishing 9th last season, there are growing expectations that West Ham will finish much higher this year. With the Premier League kicking off soon after a sport-filled summer, the club’s fans are eager to see how the new signings and manager work on the field.
Predictions for West Ham’s performances and finish are already in at bookies and various blogs. There’s great optimism in the air regarding this season, and we’ll take a look at what changed and why there are so many optimists on board.
How Did West Ham Fare Last Year?
It’s safe to say that West Ham’s last season in the PL was a disappointment. Original ranked higher by sports betting and casino Netherlands platforms, the team couldn’t find the energy to go on after New Year. A massive loss to Arsenal (6-0) drowned West Ham’s chances and odds. Bookies pushed the Hammers down the list of top 6 finishers in the second half of the season, which ended with a quarter-final Europa League defeat and a 9th place finish in the Premier League.
The final game of the season against Manchester City ended on a sour 3-1 note. It was also David Moyes’ final match at the helm. Fresh blood was needed for the club to find its form again. Over the summer, the management was impressed by Spaniard’s Julien Lopetegui’s vision, appointing him as the new manager.
New Manager and Fresh Faces
Lopetegui doesn’t have the best record as a manager. He had a few ill-fated runs in Spain and England, although he’s still highly valued as a man-managing force and tactician. It was a busy summer for the Hammers, with Lopetegui personally requesting some additions to the squad.
So far, West Ham has made a splash in the news with six signings. While the club doesn’t have the budget of, say Manchester City or United, it made a few statement signings.
The main new arrival is exciting Dutch prospect Crysencio Summerville. He was signed for £25 million from Leeds United, after impressing with over 20 goals in under 80 appearances in the past four years. Summerville is only 22 years old with great pace on the wings and plenty of trickery in his feet. He’s the player the fanbase and management expect the most out of this season.
Former Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund bombarder Nicklas Fullkrug was signed shortly before the start of the PL season. The 31-year old German striker has a proven track record in the Bundesliga and internationally. He was signed for £27 million from Dortmund, and is widely expected to appear in the lead striker role.
One of the most exciting signings of West Ham’s summer is Luis Guilherme. An 18-year old Brazilian prospect, he cost £19.5 million and was signed from Palmeiras. A winger with pace and a knack for assists, he is widely seen as a prospect that could help West Ham reach higher on the table.
Other signings include Max Kilman, Wes Foderingham, and ex-Barca player Jean-Clair Todibo. The latter’s defensive profile shows a lot of upside, even if he didn’t manage to break through Barcelona’s ranks.
It’s obvious that West Ham is going all-in this season, with some quality signings to back up an already great squad. While the team lost Thilo Kehrer and Said Benrahma, the new signings have a quality profile and should elevate the team’s depth. With playmaker James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen still in the team, the Hammers could make a splash.
What Do Bookies Say?
At the moment, West Ham is a favorite to finish high up the table in the first six spots. That’s what most bookmakers say, so it’s expected for the hammers to improve. It remains to be seen what happens with Europe. Some experts believe that the club won’t have the legs in Europe, falling just short of those spots.
Others, and fans, are much more optimistic and believe in a top-6 finish. We believe that if the new signings prove adequate and Lopetegui keeps everything in control, then West Ham isn’t that far from that kind of finish.
And the club seemingly isn’t done yet with transfers. Latest rumors say that Lopetegui is pushing to sign PSG outcast Carlos Soler, who is surely eager to prove himself in another environment. While a straight transfer might be off the books, securing a loan move will elevate the team’s quality for sure.
Are Any Titles in Play?
It’s way too early to talk about lifting trophies when it comes to West Ham. The team has had a few disappointing years, where it aimed higher and eventually fell short of its goals. This season, the quality has certainly improved. But, it’s still a stretch to say that it can challenge for the Premier League title or Europe.
On the other hand, cups are a possibility. The club lifted the FA Cup trophy for the last time in 1980, and it’ll surely be relishing that kind of opportunity. Cups are known for wild matches where everything can happen. Plus, sometimes, the biggest teams are focused on other competitions, leaving the door open for clubs such as West Ham.
With Lopetegui in the lead and exciting new signings, maybe that’s where the focus should be. It won’t be easy as the club is fighting for a spot in Europe, and a finish in the top half of the table in the PL.
Conclusion
The following season will be crucial for West Ham’s future. It’s entering a new era after David Moyes, with an exciting squad and a manager who has a lot to prove. Anything but an improvement from last season will be considered a failure. The management has invested a lot of money over the summer, and some of the new signings might prove a hit.
With the season just around the corner, we’re eager to see what happens too.
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