Why Some Big Names Could Be Warming The Bench Next Season

Although departures are widely anticipated during the summer transfer window, West Ham are expected to maintain the highest salary levels in the Championship even after a 50% reduction.

With 46 league games to play, plus Carabao Cup and FA Cup fixtures, Nuno Espírito Santo will require a large squad. The club is permitted to register 25 senior players but can expand that number by including players born after January 2005. That means Finn Herrick, Ollie Scarles, Kaelan Casey Mayers, Mohamadou Kanté and Josh Ajala are all eligible additions.

West Ham Already Have Championship Strength In Depth

Given Daniel Křetínský’s strong statements that the club will not be forced to sell any players, the current squad composition suggests that if that proves to be the case, some senior international players could find themselves on the bench against teams such as Lincoln City based purely on the options available to Nuno.

This situation implies that significant spending on new signings may not be necessary, although Nuno will likely want to fine-tune the squad with players experienced in the English second tier.

Mateus Fernandes Transfer Saga Continues

According to reports, the sale of Mateus Fernandes to Manchester United appears to be stalling, with the Red Devils attempting to drive the price down.

That seems to ignore the fact that, for a player aged just 21, the combined outlay across all of his transfers already stands at an incredible €59m.

Given his age and profile, I expect Fernandes would view Old Trafford as a stepping stone before eventually moving on again. Therefore, any deal would almost certainly include a sell-on clause should Manchester United relent and meet West Ham’s asking price.

Positive Summer Balance Sheet Looks Likely

It remains highly probable that the Hammers will record a net positive spend during the summer window, which should please the replacement for outgoing Chief Financial Officer Andrew Mollett.

Nuno Has Options Across The Pitch

There is currently cover in every position, even up front, which has often been viewed as a weak area for West Ham.

Regardless of whether Callum Wilson declines or accepts the one-year contract offered, the club can currently choose from Callum Marshall, Taty Castellanos, Pablo Felipe, Niclas Füllkrug and Josh Ajala.

While it would be unwise to assume the squad will remain unchanged by August, Nuno has plenty of options to manoeuvre.

Championship Title Should Be The Target

On paper, West Ham currently boast the strongest squad in the Championship, even after a few departures, a fact that will not be lost on Křetínský and other board members.

No pressure then, Nuno. A league title is surely the minimum expectation, even after a few departures.