Activity behind the scenes appears to be hotting up this summer with West Ham cutting their cloth accordingly for a Championship campaign: Gone are the links with football’s exotica, more down to earth players mostly from the second tier under the microscope as the Hammers try to sort out a competitive squad.
Departures will be first, of course, but perhaps not to the extent forecast under David Sullivan’s watch when a wholesale clearout seemed likely.
With uncertainly over Wilson, Taty and Pablo, West Ham have been sniffing around Championship rivals
Whilst Callum Wilson reportedly stalls on a new contract, hoping a Premeir League side will take him, the Irons have been linked with a new frontman already plying his trade in the Championship just up the road at Watford. According to, of all people, Portsmouth.co.uk:
“West Ham have set their sights on Watford sensation Nestroy Irankunda, according to reports.The young forward is currently thriving in the World Cup with Australia and netted in their tournament-opening triumph over Turkey on Sunday.
Via Bayern Munich and Watford: Nestroy Irankunda
Indeed, the 20-year-old’s stock is firmly on the rise with his international success coupled with a strong campaign at Vicarage Road, where he collected nine goal contributions in 40 Championship outings last term.”
Interesting as Irankunda played mostly as an inverted winger on the right side, in you-know-who’s traditional starting spot. Whether Nuno plays to switch him to Summerville’s side isn’t yet known but at £5 million definitely the right profile for a new West Ham ‘wonderkid’ signing. (Knowing how much you all love that ‘w’ term).
One to watch if he’s still available later in the window.
Mohamadou Kanté for me has to be retained as IMO he could be immense for us next season.
If we can keep core players and not sell our younger talent and let them develop further it will benefit the first team and academy.
Always prefer to talk about our current players rather than discuss ones who have never worn the claret & blue shirt.