Following a disappointing performance against Brentford, it’s become even clearer regarding the challenge that lies ahead for Graham Potter and his team.
The squad will be further depleted in the summer when Cresswell, Coufal, and Ings all leave as their contracts expire. Fabianski is also expected to depart, though the club have a one-year extension option. Michail Antonio similarly has a one-year option, and if he recovers from his injury, he could be retained, as it seems unlikely the club will be able to secure at least two strikers in the next window. In a strange turn of events, the club might even be forced to keep Füllkrug as they will struggle to recoup a fraction of what was paid for him.
Soler and Ferguson will return to their parent clubs.
Considering the uncertainty around Paquetá’s future and the likelihood of Rodríguez returning to Real Betis, there will be little opportunity to raise transfer funds.
Kudus remains the most sellable asset yet is unlikely to fetch £85m. During the Brentford game, he had 60 touches but failed to contribute any key passes, assists, or goals. The club could break even on Todibo by selling him to Manchester United.
The inclusion of youth players Scarles, Potts, and Orford does offer some hope, yet other prospects such as Earthy, Guilherme, and Marshall will need to prove themselves further to convince Potter they can make the step up.
There is the potential for some shrewd transfer business with the acquisition of Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton and Angel Gomes from Lille on free transfers, but the Hammers will face stiff competition from other clubs.
Outside of the squad, Potter, who has always asked for time, will be expected to have things in place by the new season. But to do so, he needs to have the right players. West Ham have struggled to play the ball out from the back, making it too easy for opponents to counter.
The Hammers must start getting some points on the table, show improvement, and leave this season behind them.
To improve the players must want to play for west ham, and go through fire for west ham, remember Billy bonds, not the best but he got into opposition faces stood his ground and would bleed for irons. These players would not the last was noble. Now these players need to be educated how to do this I have no idea but we need player who want to be here and play
What do you mean by not the best?
Bonzo was hard but also a great player otherwise he wouldn’t have played 799 games for us over 21 seasons
Why would we sign Walker-Peters when we have Wan-Bissaka?
Scarles at left back but need cover for retiring Cresswell.
Is KWP best option? Lamptey out of contract, 4 years younger, played regularly under Potter at Brighton.
It’s time to play our academy lads plus Guilherme, not going to achieve anything this year.
Integration ready for next season is the way forward.
At least they are born and bred whu and want to wear the badge.
Matt I can to see anyone willing to pay£85k for kudus on current form
I’m glad your not jumping the the bandwagon of “Potter don’t look like the man for the job” He is left with a hell of mess to clear up which is the fault of Moyse (left with a very old squad) Loppy ( who just added more aging stars to the squad) and Sulivan ( who presumably signed off to buy those players)
I think we will stay up, and there will be a small improvement next season,(mid-table) but it may take a couple of seasons to get out of this mess. If we get into Europe positions next season then I think will will have to start calling him Harry Potter, because he must have a magic wand!
Be even worse if we get relegated, which on current showing is not beyond the realms!