Oldapo Afolayan
It’s becoming easier to understand why David Moyes has not rushed into the transfer market this winter and that the most likely scenario, at best, is a loan arrival…or maybe not.
For weeks the manager has made it clear he won’t be panicked into spending loads of dough and that he is more likely to find answers within the squad and the youth players if he needs to.
Moyes understands this is a bad window to get value for money – especially as things are globally right now.
He knows too that even if he had unlimited funds to spend top strikers would probably saying thanks but no thanks to playing second fiddle to Michail Antonio.
And the reality is this and every year, they would be looking for a Champions League club anyway. That’s usually the way of things.
Us fans can judge only on what we see from a distance whereas the manager knows exactly what he has at his disposal from what he sees on the training ground.
Craig Dawson was the most obvious example of that but we saw yesterday that he was more than aware of the Yarmolenko striker option and has a couple of classy youth players in yesterday’s goal scorer Oladopo Afolayan and Mipo Odubeko.
Ademipo Odubeko (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
There’s one other big issue to remember as well before going off on one – we are on 32 points and as safe from relegation as it’s possible to be.
Thus do we need to go spending big cash. There will be those who immediately cry that it shows a lack of ambition to go higher but actually it doesn’t.
Why? Because as stated big players wait for simmer and big clubs and Moyes has regularly preached that’s what he’s aiming for the Irons to become.
He’s got most things right so far and it may be as well to trust his judgement rather than exercising too much of our own.
What about Xande Silva. He is on loan I know that, but surely a mention somewhere of him getting recalled. He was on the cusp of breaking into the first team before he fell ill, and seems to be doing ok on loan. Get him back and give him a shot maybe.
Going to the matches week in week out 2 years ago, I was excited, we had a Premier winning manager capable of taking us to Europe with top signings…. Anderson, Hallet amongst others
Then came the Arnie rot, Fab getting injured and Pellegrini didn’t know who to substitute at half time.
I’d like Moyes to pull a “Soucek” centre forward out of the bag at one minute before the window closes, but whether he does or not, we’ve got to start drip feeding our youngsters in, it’s the only way to find the next Grady or Ngakia (yes I agree Johnson is there already)
If these players don’t make it, they’ll be worth more with several matches under their belt, and if they do make it, we don’t need to waste 35 million on Burnley defenders
I love the Diop for Origi loan idea for the rest of the season, but why hasn’t anyone mentioned Silva– the boy is a regular starter for a club in the European Champions league places (ok it’s Greece, but that’s where Arthur came from)
We’ve had our best start ever, let’s have our best finish ever and find which of these boys can do the job whilst we get there…. that way we might get a squad fit for the Europa
I think the point about being safe from relegation is valid – when a team is threatened by relegation they tend to make risky investments in the January window – Robbie Keane comes to mind (and the sitter that he missed against Blackburn) – so any player bought now needs to be one who we will be happy to have next season
In addition the market is seriously depressed – it is not just us – BFS (who after last week should perhaps be renamed as Big-mouth Sam) has said that he is in the market for a number of players – but has not signed anyone after Snoddy
I am not sure what club would pay 13 million for Josh King plus 120K a week in wages – I dont think that we are stingy for not going that route
So Hugh – I support what you say in this article
Is the squad getting weaker or the team getting stronger?
Looking at where we are today compared to our usual position at this time of year, I really don’t understand what some people are moaning about. It seems that their hatred of the board colours every aspect of WHU. Yes, we would all like to see a striker(s) at the club, and other positions covered as well, BUT don’t underestimate the damage that Pellegrini has done. There is no point in DM splashing the limited amount of cash that is available. It’s also true, if you look back, that most of the players we have approached over the years actually don’t want to play for us. That is something else that DM is changing hopefully. Let’s see what happens in the summer, and if the squad has improved by the start of the next season.
Lets be honest, we have no trained strikers on the club. Antonio was a winger only a few years back. Moyes doesn’t use youngsters. I guarantee if Antonio got injured, yarmo or benrahma would become strikers. This is stupid and ridiculous. And speaking of youngsters, Benrahma shows a lot of potential and has played for a real club and he can barely get on the pitch sometimes but you think Moyes is magically gonna start some youngsters, give me a break. tell those old Muppets to spend some money on some quality players. I trust Moyes when it comes to buying talent.
Liverpool need a centre back and we need a back up striker for Antonio – how about a creative loan swap till the end of the season of Diop and Origi? The Belgian international may not be the most reliable finisher but he can work the channels and run in behind, unlike Yarmalenko, and also hold the ball up reasonably well. And my suggested solution means that Moyes would be able to retain the same system when Antonio is missing. Thoughts anyone.
Already have 2 domestic loans so can’t happen unless we buy Dawson or Benrahma now. At the minute we can only loan from abroad
Foreign loans are ok
It makes sense to me.
I imagine it’s very frustrating for Moyes right now. He clearly wants a new striker otherwise bids wouldn’t have gone in but i imagine we just can’t afford to spend too much, if anything, in upfront payments.
None of us fans know what the real finances are. I believe if we had the money to pay Reimes for Dia, for example, then we’d bid what they want for him. Still doesn’t mean he will want to come to us though.
I still don’t think we’re that attractive a proposition for the type of striker Moyes wants, ie the type we need. Hopefully after this season we will be.
I would like to see fans stop blaming Pellegrini and the owners for paying high fees for Haller, Anderson, etc. As we see Moyes doing, a manager buys players that he wants to play in the system he believe will work for the team. In Anderson’s first season, none of us were saying he was a waste of money. Even Noble said it was the best squad he’d ever seen at West Ham. So it didn’t work out. That happens more often than not. Rather than constant vitriol towards the past manager and/or the owners, we should understand that this is a huge part of football; buying players who sometimes don’t work out, at a high cost. Now is what’s important and as a club we’re heading in the right direction.
And it wasn’t our money!
I do not believe Pellegrini could have prevented relegation. It wasn’t just skill that was lacking, it was work ethic.
Totally agree. My point is more to do with fans blaming him and/or the board for purchases that didn’t work out, as if it isn’t the players themselves’ fault
If we do go to the loan market, there is a rumour Dzeko has been offered, definitely not one for the future but when you look at the effect Cavani has had at Utd then it might be a good interim solution he has 7 goals in 14 starts and World Class pedigree , he may elevate the team and bring some more positive media, these young kids could watch and learn from a player like that.
Yeah I think that wouldn’t be a bad move 32
I dont think I will comment alot anymore on the transfer window…because I know I annoy hugh when I keep repeating myself👍😂 ..but I will say ,,…I’m just so shocked that people can say we can get by and have cover ..I cant believe it to be honest…..
CHILDISH YOU ARE NOT ANNOYING ME AT ALL. I just discuss when people simply offer simplistic prejudices as answers. It’s Moyes’fault, it’s the board’s fault, it’s Haller’s fault. As in life generally there are a multiplicity of issues that contribute but we live in a social media world where everyone reckons their answer is the right one. I accept the scouting has been terrible down the years and I accept we need a proper director of football which Moyes says he is getting done – once that’s done most else will fall into place. WE can do nothing about the past and thinking someone, given football’s situation via covid – will appear with millions to buy the club is fantasy. We need to let Moyes get on with things. Let’s change the things we can not moan about what’s gone on and which we can do nothing about.
Hugh i wasn’t being funny , it was a joke mate ,because I agree with you about the repeating bit ..its hard to show you with just messages mate but I didn’t mean anything by it …as for the transfer business ,I just find it ridiculous, because when haller was here we were all shouting that we needed another striker even with him ,,but now we sell him and people are saying we can get by..I have really strong views on this one for some reason it really annoys me ….especially as our bids for our targets are always very low and we waste time on players that realistically have no chance of getting also that we let haller go with no replacement lined up …I’m a moaner but I really like Moyes and I’m loving this season like everyone ,so that makes the failure in the market (again) more frustrating…
You have to ask how does a premier league club with a massive wage bill end up without one senior forward at the club.
Most clubs have 4, as do championship clubs.
I can’t work out how West Ham have none.
Antonio plays up front now, but he was purchased years ago to play out wide, luckily he moved positions ok.
Someone should ask the question.
If Ant gets injured, which he does regularly then we are totally stuffed.
Exactly right
Come on if you really want people to believe that moyes does not want another forward and rely on Yarmo and the young boys .Do you think we’re all idiots
I would sooner listen to Moyes’ very reasonable explanations than be told I hink you are an idiot because you don’t like the board. Maybe u should keep up with what he’s saying and of course you have chosen to ignore all the reasons why he can’t get one – most of which have nothing to do with money
Surely not being in danger of relegation is not a good reason to not invest in a squad.
‘we are on 32 points and as safe from relegation as it’s possible to be. Thus do we need to go spending big cash.’
There is a global pandemic – but this equally effects all clubs. In the last two years the net spend is not as great as it may at first seem. The club has sold Haller, Diangana, Ajeti, Hugill, Cullen, Snodgrass, Arnatovic, Chicarito, Fenendes, Obiang, Heksabanovic, Perez, Oxford and Byram. This is over £100m of income. Inevitably the squad is much smaller as far fewer players have come in especially when you ad high earning players that have been released like Sanchez, and Wilshire,
This is a unique season where with a bit of investment the club can really achieve something – especially with the clubs above them distracted by Europe. I do not suggest money be wasted but lets not deceive ourselves that the solutions lie within the squad and in particular the youth team. Who is the LB back up to Cresswell?; who is the CM back up to Souceck and Rice?
Hi hear you mate but as Yarmo has filled in for Antonio, Johnson can fill in for Creswell and Diop can fill in for Rice/Souchek.
A coach/manager with some foresight can also ‘manufacture’ players as has been done with Arnie and Antonio.
I know from coaching and playing that with a big squad, players angry and sometimes destructive if not playing regularly. Doesn’t matter if it’s the EPL of Sunday League, everyone wants to play.
Striker though is my main concern and I think we really need one buy happy to give the young guys a try until the end of the season.
I like Yarmo as a striker & I think a lot of us wanted to see that but my only worry with Yarmo is he played a Doncaster team where we played the ball. He doesn’t have the pace to play the way we usually play in PL. He definitely suits up top of we have more possession. Anyway I hope Antonio stays fit & I agree with Hugh I don’t think we splash cash for the sake of it of we can get Han on loan or another pacey striker who will work & is versatile id be happy with that.
Keep spinning this one hey.
Fact remains, you can’t weaken the squad in January and expect us to carry on as well. We need to replace haller, we need a proper striker to fall back on for the rest of the season.
It’s really that simple.
Now you say we are safe so we need to send money?
If we want to keep our better players on board by showing ambition . Yes.
It maybe the owners only care about staying in the league til they sell. It isn’t the fans.
Read the story properly I covered the highly predictable AMBITION point – you just don’t want to accept the rationale. I did it deliberately because I know someone would raise it because of their board objection. Listen to other points of view. Read properly and attempt to understand what people are saying
Find this interesting to say the least… I, with many other supporters do not know how good or bad or talented these youngsters are but if I see how world class players at Chelsea are now struggling, how on earth can these “youngsters” suddenly become Premier league quality… Fo r sure they have to blooded slowly but I do think that we go “overboard” when we suddenly see youngsters make their debuts against a club like “Doncaster” no disrespect at all, and we believe they are good enough for the Premiership… Moyes and his staff must know the ability of these youngsters… They will be judged!!. IMHO we definitely need a back up striker, be it on loan or otherwise… Why not push on… and we pray that Soucek and Rice do not get injured…. and please don’t tell me Noble is a back up for them over an extended period… His legs are gone and unless he plays in an absolute defensive holding position in front of the back four… Not for me I’m afraid… Fingers crossed for our next few games.. I feel if we get a point against Palace it we would be a point gained. COYI
Really? It’s becoming clear to me that he’s not being backed to bring in the players he really wants (he’s paying the price of Pelegrini’s profligacy). After last summers’ clear out we were at least 2 senior players short and as of this month that has become 4 and leaving us terribly exposed in striker options. I don’t blame him for not wanting bargain basement bodies as that will only hinder him further in the summer. Hugill’s and Ajeti’s are not what’s required. So it seems to me he’s just making the best of a BAD situation, and being very professional about it.
Hugh don’t jump down my throat because I disagree with you. You sound very defensive.
Your point is we are safe do we need to spend?
It’s not predictable, emotive or anti board, it is common sense.if we quality for europe we stand better chance of retaining our best players.
I did read your article btw.
I didn’t say we need to spend big, to be ‘ambitious’ I said we need a striker in this window, (we just sold one) a loan can cover for now.
Suggest you follow your own advice this time and read my comment too.
I have done so Che and I am not jumping down your throat but I had thought I’d covered it when I said:
Thus do we need to go spending big cash? ( maybe I should have added “this winter”) There will be those who immediately cry that it shows a lack of ambition to go higher but actually it doesn’t.
Why? Because as stated big players wait for summer and big clubs and Moyes has regularly preached that’s what he’s aiming for the Irons to become.
We’re going to take a little while to recover, financially, from the Pellegrini signings. Moyes is doing just fine and I trust his judgement, as I think most of us do now. I’d been wanting to see Yarmolenko up front as a fill in for Antonio for some time, and had been looking forward to see what Mipo Odubeko could do.
With Mipo and Afolayan vying for a place on the subs bench, we’re looking good. Yesterday’s match commentator described us as ‘top class opposition’ – strange times indeed!
If he does well, for a chant/song, Mipo’s Odubeko has a name that would fit well with the Biko song by Peter Gabriel, if anyone’s old enough to remember it!
This is a good read!
It’s perfectly reasonable to suggest the cover can be found within our youth and fringe ranks. I think West Ham have had far to many ‘Hugill/Ajeti’ style signings that just prove a waste of money on the wage bill and loss expenditure. I personally think it makes much more sense to push Afolayan/Odebiko and to have competition from the likes of Yarmolenko/Bowen in the role during the current pandemic and on the foundations of stability being found at the club (on the pitch anyway!)
If then in the instance Afolayan/Odebiko prove to be good enough our squad depth improves and competition for places leads to less reliance on Antonio. If then Moyes felt maybe they didn’t make the fold, the option of loaning/selling like we did with Diangana becomes an option, which to my understanding is the last player we made a profit on. (Of course I hope they are both good enough to make it and become the next cottee/macavennie!)
Really enjoying this! Mipo was unlucky, Dapo showed a strikers instinct, Jamal had a great experience and Nathan’s career has been plotted with a loan and now this. We almost take Ben Johnson for granted as a first teamer! I would like to salute the ‘bootroom’ – Moyes, Irvine, Nolan and Pearce. Great awareness, great job.
Agree Pete on Johnson I rate him highly & I keep hearing we need a natural left footed LB & we doo bc Wilshere isn’t getting younger but imo Johnson has looked as good if not better at LB especially in PL then RB. I love a good inverted LB & as LWB he can cut into mid more where he can play he is a good athelete. Inverted wingers are huge now use to be more inverted FBs. Still see them & those who can play eirhe side are so valuable. I wanted James Justin from Luton so bad £8m now looks like Bargain. But everyone was saying he was RB though he played LB whole seaosn before winning promotion RB season before that & started as mid. Now he good easily get England call up for LB. Don’t always have to pigeon hole players bc of what foot they are imo. Some of my favourite footballer like Antonio you can put anywhere & they will do a Job. If Fornals covers in CM could always put Souček up front too he would do a job imo. Plus wouldn’t min seeing Diop get a chance in mid maybe last 20mins of game we are winning he has the pace & good on ball. Shouldn’t spend just to spend then end up with high wage player we can’t get off books. But if we can get in smart loan of versatile striker if be happy. Like Yarmo as CF but doesn’t have the pace to play the way we do in PL we need to play more possession. Dapo had kind of been written off a lot thought was signed bc the ‘African’ comment by head scout hasn’t lit up U23s but neither did Grady & he did a job for us, tbh I think he would suit us know as LWB or LW still rate him highly. Then Mipo we were lucky to get him a lot of clubs wanted him unfortunately injuires so many for our youth held him back then COViD. But a real talent.
Thought Mateta does scare me a bit hope Oggy & Dawson are well rested. Imo £15m option was a deal for him he has good work rate pace height & finishing with both feet & head. Love the near post too him & Zaha will be handfull & Eze.
Love to go into 4th though & keep building on winning streak at least a draw.