With their descent into the Championship confirmed, West Ham have somehow to produce a squad ready to hit the ground running when the season kicks off in six weeks time. Even with Daniel Kretinsky’s assurance that the club do not have to sell players, several will leave in search of Premier League futures meaning replacements will be required.
Heavy reliance on the loan market and free transfers is likely to enable the club to bolster their squad depth without breaking the bank – there’s no limit to the number of loanees which a Championship side can field.
Free transfers will also have their place and, according to thesun.ie, West Ham have already been working hard to bring in former Brighton and Hove Albion’s experienced but crocked defender Adam Webster on a free transfer:
“West Ham explore free transfer for ex-Premier League star, 31, who hasn’t played in a YEAR after grim relegation”
A number of clubs have approached Webster, though there are concerns over his fitness record having not played a single game last season following an ACL injury.
Webster is continuing his rehabilitation with Brighton despite having not been offered a new contract.
Doubts remain over Webster’s fitness following a year out of the game
West Ham looked into a loan move for Webster in January 2025 when former Brighton boss Graham Potter was in charge at London Stadium.”
Whether West Ham might offer a pay-per-play deal as they did with Callum Wilson isn’t yet clear: Webster at 31 still has a couple of years in him and could certainly do a job as a squad centre back in the Championship if the Hammers manage to offload Jean Clair-Todibo.
The main priority will be finding a top quality replacement for Axel Disasi who left at the end of his loan agreement: Webster may be a useful addition to the squad but a week in, week out performer he is not.
Who at the club would be targeting this player, very strange link.
Hardly a player who offers enthusiasm.
Non player and crocked just sort of player Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton wouldn’t want.
Three clubs whu are suppose to be trying to emulated.
Presumably if Disarsi was to rejoin he will not be entertained.
Potter (as good as he was) recognised this signing was a non entity.