The number of rumoured departures from The London Stadium has got me wondering . . . Are we looking at another West Ham rebuild this summer?
Declan Rice is certain to leave as soon as the protracted transfer negotiations with Arsenal are concluded. Other notable departures could include Nikola Vlasic, Gianlucca Scamacca and Ben Johnson.
Manuel Lanzini has departed and if rumours are to be believed, PSG hold an interest in Lucas Paqueta. Michail Antonio was agitating for a move during the Winter transfer window and Danny Ings looks like a duck out of water.
Factor in disgruntled Areola, Thilo Kehrer and an unfancied Flynn Downes and things don’t look too rosy.
West Ham rebuild: The Hammers are set for another busy summer
Incoming football director has a massive rebuilding job on his hands and I’m sure that’s why he’s here. But he’ll need to bring his finest little black book to replenish what’s departing.
Clearly all the players listed above leaving is a doomsday scenario but there is much work to be done.
West Ham had a £200 million rebuild last summer and there was much talk of players taking time to settle. We could be looking at a similar scale overhaul in this current window which will see the squad reshaped within 18 months.
It will take a massive collective effort from all involved. David Moyes, Rob Newman, Mark Noble and Tim Steidten will have to form a strong working relationship quickly.
West Ham rebuild 2.0 is on the way and it could get very interesting.