Compared with twelve months ago when West Ham were looking at players the calibre of Mateus Fernandes in the summer window, there are likely to be slim pickings in this year’s transfer market as the West Ham team sheet morphs from a failed Premier League squad to a ‘new variant’ Championship-ready mix of youngsters, loanees and hopefully a few ‘remnants’ to give the club the spine and experience required to mount a serious promotion challenge.
As Matt wrote last week, the Championship has different rules for loans and is far more forgiving: Unlike the strict quota imposed on loan signings within the Premier League, the Hammers have far fewer constraints and so will more than likely populate their bench with temporary signings. Five can take the pitch at one time and the club can have unlimited loanees in their squad.
As ITk ExWHUEmployee puts it:”
An interesting option who also had a loan spell and has return to his parent club now is Bobby Clark who was at loan at Derby County last year. He is 21 home grown but currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg….
We could also look to exploit the loan market and take some players from domestic clubs. Someone we have Ben continuously linked with is Joe Willock of Newcastle although he says he wishes to remain in the North East so the chances of signing him are slight.
“More realistic domestic loan options could be either Dario Essugo from Chelsea or Norwegian Sverre Halseth Nypan.
“West Brom’s Isaac Price is another who has generated a lot of interest in him although his side struggled in the Championship last season.”
Young Sydie Peck is a confirmed player of interest to West Ham this summer: But when will the Hammers be in a position to start doing deals?
However: Amongst the talk of loan signings, the huge talent that is Sheffield United’s rising star is again singled out for special mention and is evidently highly regarded by West Ham:
“We have already confirmed interest in Sydie Peck of Sheffield United who is only 21. He started his career at Arsenal and is a current England under 21s international”
As Claret and Hugh reported last week, ( ‘West Ham join chase for Championship rising star) the £12 million Peck is seen as a huge talent and found himself shortlisted for the Young Championship Player of the Year award.
West Ham may rely heavily on the loan market – and in any case may not yet be in a position to start splashing millions on purchases- but the hope has to be that Peck will still be available later in the window when West Ham have sorted their boardroom drama and are in place to make targeted acquisitions to complete Nuno’s squad.
Whoever we get, we need to have the coaches to light the fires of motivation. We already have numbers of youngsters of alleged quality.
All of our playing staff need large doses of practical advice and praise.
Even more so in Championship.