Finally there’s momentum gathering behind West Ham’s transfer dealings ahead of the season kick off tomorrow. Despite the current upheaval upstairs in the boardroom it appears that ‘business as usual’ in the transfer market has indeed been the order of the day – eventually.
It wouldn’t be West Ham if transfer business was conducted early on in the summer, but perhaps this season there are extenuating circumstances with the Staveley hostile takeover bid blindsiding the board room – and possibly thwarting Daniel Kretinksy’s hastily hatched plans from June – to inject money into the club.
The confirmation that Koppen’s number one target Arne Engels has been captured from Celtic – and hopefully announced as a Hammer this weekend – comes as a relief to those of us who had a gnawing doubt that there might just be a big fat zero in the transfer kitty.
Engels – hopefully announced officially as a West Ham player this week end.
Indeed a busy week has now culminated with another transfer agreement alongside the Engels deal, according to footballinsider:
“Sources: Aaron Wan-Bissaka ‘agrees in principle’ to join Aston Villa“
The player’s personal terms were always likely to be the stumbling block, so the claim in the report that ‘The Spider’ has agreed a deal with Unai Emery’s side should see the transfer fee plain sailing by comparison as the two clubs near agreement:
“The Midlands giants are in negotiations with West Ham on a final fee for the 28-year-old, thought to be in the region of £20-25million.”
Which will boost Koppen’s transfer kitty further, and the huge Wan Bissaka wages come off the monthly payroll.
With the boxes ticked for a winger and a midfielder, the striker and centre back on Nils Koppen’s ‘to do’ list will now take centre stage – too late for the Burnley fixture but, providing the quality of players match those recruited so far, few West Ham fans will be complaining if the deals get done late in the window.
If it means the Hammers somehow land Troy Parrot and Axel Disasi before deadline day (we can dream), there’ll be no complaints. For a change.
Those extra additions might go some way to justifying the Hammers’ position as favourites in the toughest league in world football. As Wolves found out last night, there are no easy games in this division.
Maybe Battrum as 1st sub at RB?
Hope Edvin Austbø joins as well, be great for the team and would show foresight, but I’m guessing he could be in the 1st team squad anyhow. Quick, skillful, 2-footed, norwegian temperament,… all good.
Aaron Wanki Nobody can do one. He played an enormous part in our demise and dragging down team spirit. AWB is one of those who’s youtube showreel is spectacular but as a team player, he fails to support his defence by consistently being out of position, meaning he’s either not correctly positioned for box clearances (especially in the air from crosses) but most importantly allowing that side of the oppo’s attack to not have to worry about springing offside traps with attacking midfielders drifting into that space between the centre halves and right full back, whilst AWB jogs back slowly planning a late sliding tackle on a winger. He was very good at that late lunge, probably the best about, but teams were happy to trade that off against the gaping gaps he also left open for the long straight ball into the channel or the one over the top. It’s this type of ball that had destroyed the confidence of Kilman and Mav by not being able to keep an organised and compact back 4. The introduction of Disasi and the slow inclusion of KWP the defence looked far more confident. He will take no responsibility in his contribution to our failure as he simply couldn’t care less.
Disasi joining would be exceptional. Wouldn’t have said that in Jan but keeping everything crossed.
I also think Vardy coming in more as a 4th choice/coaching role would be a wise move.
Hopefully he could then introduce Pablo’s left and right foot to each other.
Great comment Jimbo but I don’t think Pablo has a right foot just yet.
He is doing quite well with the two on the left though!
This is true TH. Second touch is a tackle bless him.