4 Comments

Window officially opens and here’s what we need

The summer transfer window is now officially open.

A variety of clubs across England have already formalised deals and brought players into their squads, but the Hammers have yet to see their first arrival.

ClaretandHugh has taken a close look at the Hammers’ squad and looked at exactly what we believe David Moyes and Rob Newman need to find this summer.

Goalkeeper –  One would expect Alphonse Areola to come in permanently, although other targets are being watched and Newcastle are being linked with a move for the keeper. A new stopper is urgently required.

Right-Back – The Hammers are fine here, with Vlad Coufal and Ben Johnson vying for the spot and bright prospect Harrison Ashby coming through.

Centre-Back –  Nayef Aguerd has been targeted, Angelo Ogbonna is returning to fitness and Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson are still here. Even if Issa Diop goes we are probably ok with other positions more urgent as a result.

Left-Back – No arguments here. A second as been wanted for ages and ages -oh, and Arthur Masuaku can go.

Central Midfield – Oh boy. Yes. West Ham have seen Mark Noble retire, Alex Kral is leaving and Conor Coventry isn’t rated apparently. Tomas Soucek’s future remains questionable leaving  Declan  as the only senior midfielder if the Czech leaves. At least three players are required here, for competition  and cover, especially if Soucek does go.

Attacking Midfield – If Said Benrahma does leave, at least one player is needed here. Manuel Lanzini’s form has been up and down and Pablo Fornals hasn’t really been relied upon as an out-and-out No.10. Jesse Lingard would solve this problem.

Wingers – A left winger is required, particularly if Benrahma goes. Ben Johnson and Arthur Masuaku have been played in the role but a specialist is required. On the right, Jarrod Bowen’s form means we are fine assuming he isn’t required as emergency cover for Mikey in the unhappy event of  a back up striker not arriving,

Striker – At least one is needed. Mikey Antonio needs competition and support and Moyes has yet to show an inclination to blood Armstrong Okoflex and Sonny Perkins future  is uncertain.

ConclusionIf worst comes to worst, West Ham need nine players this summer. There are wheels moving for Aguerd, Lingard and Areola, but this is a huge summer for the Hammers in terms of bringing in new talent. The clock is already ticking.

 

About Dave Langton

A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.

4 comments on “Window officially opens and here’s what we need

  1. I would personally be more inclined to move Antonio out to the left wing position. He likes to drift out there anyways and remember reading an interview with him, a few years ago now, where he said he prefers that position as he can run and cut in. Just like Bowen does on the right. It means then signing 2 strikers with Dennis and Broja being my preferences.

  2. “Backup for Mikey” – more like ” replacement for Mikey” , we need someone who doesn’t go on the Premier League scorers missing list for five months!

  3. We need at least this number of new players, my main requirement is for David Moyes to get on with it and stop all the procrastination that he’s famous for – JUST GET ON WITH IT!! 🙄

  4. Sounds right and that is if we can stop a mass exodus of disillusioned players like Tomas and the U23’s. Trouble is we seem to take forever over each signing – still haven’t sorted Areola who is already ours!! Seems Villa can sign three in the time it takes us to dither over one! I know DM has done wonderfully well, I just hope he sorts it, and the success has not been in spite of his frailties.

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