West Ham Transfer Fantasy: Who’s Replacing Outgoing Stars

With the transfer window opening in June and all the noise around PSR constraints and limited funds—countered by whispers of big-money bids for seemingly unattainable players—I thought it’d be a bit of fun to step into the shoes of Kyle Macaulay, Graham Potter, and David Sullivan for a game of “Fantasy Premier League.”

Goalkeeper:

If Fabianski is released, West Ham will need another goalkeeper. Foderingham was signed as third choice, and it may be too soon for the academy goalkeepers to step up.

Aaron Ramsdale is a keeper that is attainable yet played for a relegated team that conceded 82 goals; Foderingham conceded 104 at Sheffield United.

For this position, I would sound out the availability of Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool.

Aged 26, he has played twenty-two times for the Republic of Ireland and has been at Anfield since the age of 15. His contract expires in 2026. Known as a good shot-stopper, he would provide real competition for Areola.

Full-Backs:

At full-back, Wan-Bissaka has nailed that position and offers versatility on the right and left flanks.

With Coufal likely to leave, Cresswell a free agent, and Emerson potentially departing, that leaves just Ollie Scarles. This is an area West Ham need to strengthen.

Kyle Walker-Peters is an obvious candidate, yet Tyrick Mitchell (25) could be available on a free from Crystal Palace and offers cover at left-back and left wing-back.

One player I really like is Milan van Ewijk, a Netherlands U-21 who plays for Coventry. A fan favourite there, he is contracted until June 2027. He can operate on the right wing or at right-back.

Centre-Back:

If Aguerd leaves and either Todibo or Mavropanos are sold, reinforcements will be needed.

I don’t see Adam Webster as the solution. Budget-friendly, free transfer options could be Jonathan Tah (29) at Bayer Leverkusen or Olivier Boscagli, aged 27, from PSV.

If I’m being greedy, then CJ Egan-Riley from Burnley, aged 22, would also be of interest. Yet the step up to the Premier League is a question mark.

Midfield:

Assuming Alvarez departs, I’d retain Soucek. Ward-Prowse is likely to stay, given few clubs will match West Ham’s valuation.

Freddie Potts deserves an opportunity, and Kante’s pre-season arrival from Paris FC will be interesting to monitor.

If Real Sociedad come in for Aguerd, I would ask for Martin Zubimendi in a player exchange, plus cash from the Hammers. Likely to be rejected, but worth a try.

Failing that, I would target Takefusa Kubo, a Japanese international attacking midfielder dubbed the “Japanese Messi,” in a similar deal.

Adama Traoré, out of contract at Fulham, could be considered. At 29, he is a very similar player to Michail Antonio, but his lack of finishing remains a concern—something West Ham already struggle with.

Strikers:

With Danny Ings leaving and Antonio’s future unclear, this leaves West Ham with Fullkrug. Bowen is always a useful option, and I would have Callum Marshall on the bench.

This is the position that will demand the bulk of the transfer budget. I’m not convinced Yuri Alberto is the answer and would instead consider Emanuel Emegha at Strasbourg, although competition for him will be fierce.

Another promising option is Arnaud Kalimuendo, currently at Rennes. At 23, he has had a strong season and previously impressed at Lens and in the PSG academy.

Ultimately, West Ham’s recruitment team face a tough summer, and if sales are needed to fund arrivals, most of the capital must go towards a top-quality striker.