West Ham Faces Potential Exodus
West Ham United could be facing a significant player exodus this summer, with as many as six first-team players potentially leaving on free transfers due to expiring contracts.
The futures of several key players are uncertain, with David Moyes‘ own contract situation adding to the club’s instability.
Technical director Tim Steidten, along with either Moyes or his successor, will need to address crucial gaps in the squad, particularly at full-back, centre-back, and striker positions.
Joseph Anang (Goalkeeper): The 23-year-old homegrown player is currently the third-choice goalkeeper behind Areola and Fabianski. A decision needs to be made on whether to offer him a new deal or pursue a new backup option.
Angelo Ogbonna (Centre-back): A club legend, Ogbonna’s limited appearances this season raise questions about a potential one-year extension for his 36th birthday.
Aaron Cresswell (Left-back): Another loyal servant, Cresswell is in his testimonial year and could depart after failing to secure a move last summer.
Ben Johnson (Defender): The homegrown player has reportedly rejected contract offers and may leave on a free transfer.
West Ham Faces Potential Exodus: Ben Johnson is one of many who could be on the way out
Kalvin Phillips (Midfielder): On loan from Manchester City, Phillips’ lacklustre performances make a permanent move unlikely.
Divin Mubama (Striker): The young talent has refused a new deal and might seek a loan or free transfer to gain experience.
Unconfirmed Contract Status:
Vladimir Coufal (Right-back): Despite reports of Coufal’s discontent with a contract extension, some reports suggest that he is signed on until 2025.
With a potential loss of key players and the looming question of Moyes’ future, West Ham faces a significant rebuild this summer. Addressing squad depth and quality across several positions will be crucial for the club’s future success.
Gonzo I think you have understated the size of the task here – In addition to the above let’s not forget the January transfer window departures of Coventry, Fornals and Benrahama. There is also the decision to make on Flynn Downes away at Southampton on a loan deal to the end of the season. And Aguerd another of our great maestros (!) signings looks to be on his way. That makes it 11 if all depart from the squad at the turn of the year. With FFP restrictions seemingly kicking in much harder and only Coventry (1m) Fornals (6m) Benrahma (16m) plus Cresswell (free) Ogbonna (free) Mubamba (free) Johnson (free) Phillips (loan expiry) Anang (value ? I have heard good reports about this fella spot why we would want to release is beyond me) Downes (10m) Aguerd (15m) that makes 48m or so to invest from player sales for 10 or 11 squad slots – and at a time we want to add to the depth of quality in the squad. The board have got to be sanctioning at least £100m to add to these figures to get any real quality depth in the squad. And then there is the issue over the wage bill for new incomers…….Tim S is going to be earning his money over the summer!. And when you guys mention Moyes meticulous signings and the Moyes MOT for incoming transfers why do you always forget Jordan Hughill?
True and it could potentially be even worse, given the young U21 stars who see a very limited path to the first team. So far the only small breakthrough is a sub on for Earthy, this in stark contrast to say Liverpool and Man U giving teenagers first team games. Ours surely see Moyes absolute reluctance to want to field them.