by Steve Wells
The Hammers have enjoyed a great season and despite some ups and downs the club is very much moving in the right direction.
However, lack of squad depth remains an issue of course if we are to genuinely challenge at the top of the table on a consistent basis.
This season has proved that top four is not beyond the realm of possibility. Undeniably, the club needs to strengthen with another year in Europe is on the cards.
A quick look at the bookmakers will tell you that there are some players consistently linked with the club. After a successful loan period last year, Jesse Lingard is one name very much on the bookies’ lips.
The transfer markets can be lucrative, but they can also lead to a bit of guesswork, if you’ve got a free bet to use at an online bookmaker then this can be a good solution.
Left back
Fortunately for The Irons, Aaron Cresswell is going absolutely nowhere, so there’s no need to panic.
The left side has been a problem position for West Ham though. When Cresswell needs a rest, the backup solution of Masuaku hasn’t really worked, with him recently getting subbed at half time.
Masuaku earns around £50,000 a week, so it is natural to want to free up those wages for use elsewhere. A transfer for the left back has been discussed for some time, and it seems like it could be the best solution for everyone.
However, that leaves West Ham in the market for a left back. Ben Johnson has been deployed there at times this season, and he’s not done a terrible job, but these sorts of solutions aren’t going to help in the long term.
Instead, it makes sense for West Ham to go all out to find a left back to serve as understudy to Cresswell. It could be another bargain signing from Eastern Europe or the Hammers may need to push the boat out.
We definitely expect left back to be high on the list for West Ham in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Defensive midfielder
Thankfully Declan Rice is not leaving.
But with Mark Noble gone and Tomas Soucek apparently available to be sold David Moyes is going to be looking for a defensive midfielder, and this might be a problem.
Boubacar Kamara was one name that looked an option, but has agreed a free deal with Aston Villa. All eyes will be on the solution that Moyes targets.
Some might argue that an attacking midfielder is just as important, so Moyes may decide to go all out in his pursuit of Lingard, in the transfer rumour that just will not go away.
Striker
Hammers fans are dreaming of some big-name strikers in the summer, but we know that West Ham have to be smart with their dealings. Don’t expect the club to be spending £70m on a striker this summer.
West Ham need goals, and while Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek do more than their fair share from midfield, there’s an argument that a striker would take the burden off and bring some more success to the club. It’s also being reported here that Soucek may well be on his way.
Antonio has been an incredible servant.. He’s played just about every position on the park before settling as a big, strong striker and he manages his fair share of goals, but it can’t be expected to continue forever. The burly striker needs some support.
Darwin Nunez looks like he could fit the bill nother option that the club could consider is Danny Ings, who has found himself out of favour at Aston Villa in a move that has been largely unsuccessful. He’s proven that he can score goals in this league, and that he could be exactly what the Hammers need.
Strikers don’t come cheap, but with Gerrard wanting to raise cash to rebuild and the forward being out of favour, he’s certainly an option.
Conclusion
Much of the transfer business carried out is going to depend on who leaves. There could be some gut-wrenching outgoings, and this will further the need to sign some adequate replacements.
In truth, the Hammers could do with five or six new faces, but if there are only going to be a few, then it is vital that these positions get filled. West Ham simply won’t mount a top-four challenge without some new faces.
Photo by Unsplash
