With West Ham set to kick off their new season on August 16th, frustration is growing among fans over the lack of incoming transfers.
A potential new signing—El Hadji Malick Diouf—is expected to be announced in the coming days. However, the club have denied links to several other players, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Jacob Ramsey.
Ramsey, a client of Will Salthouse and also linked with Tottenham, has struggled with injuries, while Graham Potter reportedly sees stronger alternatives to Walker-Peters.
Injury concerns have also seen the club cool interest in Calvert-Lewin and Wilson, who are viewed as too much of a risk.
Transfer activity could remain slow, with the club yet to appoint a goalkeeping coach—a delay that is stalling progress on a move for Leicester City keeper Mads Hermansen, who has emerged as a target for Chelsea as well.
Outgoing transfers have also been sluggish. With pre-season training starting Monday, Potter is keen to assess the likes of George Earthy, Lewis Orford, Freddie Potts, Kaelan Casey, and Callum Marshall before sanctioning any loan deals. Championship and EFL sides have shown interest, but Potter wants a closer look first.
West Ham youngsters will get their chance
Meanwhile, the situation around Nayef Aguerd remains unchanged. The 29-year-old Moroccan is admired by Potter, and unless a suitable bid comes in, he will remain part of the first-team plans. That said, alternatives have been identified should his status change.
New striker target needed for Potter?
Finding a new striker continues to be a major challenge. Michail Antonio is still training with the squad despite now being a free agent. Several striker targets identified by Kyle Macaulay are attracting interest from rival clubs, with West Ham only in tentative talks at this stage.
According to reports, long-term target Mathias Kvistgaarden is now reportedly close to joining RC Lens—whether West Ham step up their interest remains to be seen.
As depressing an update as could be imagined at this stage. Shambolic. I struggled with last season and developed the habit of taking a tablet before games to numb the rage. I have renewed my season ticket out of habit rather than any enthusiasm. It could easily be the last time. Potter appears to be hamstrung by the desperate quality of the Board, at least with Gold they were connected to us. Brady’s recent statement made clear they have no intention of improving our experience at that @@@@# of a ground. Eventually you have to say enough is enough.