With the transfer window opening on the 15th June and slamming shut at 11pm on 1st September, West Ham face a race against the clock. Ideally, the club want outgoing deals wrapped up early, especially with the Carabao Cup kicking off between 7th – 9th August and the Championship season beginning just days later from 14th – 16th August.
But with most clubs only completing major business late in the window, this is a nightmare scenario for Nuno Espírito Santo.
Preparing for a new campaign while unsure who is staying or going is far from ideal and that uncertainty could drag well into August.
Complicating matters further, West Ham are unlikely to bring in new signings until players are moved on.
However, bids for Jarrod Bowen and Mateus Fernandes are widely expected to arrive early, with both attracting significant attention from multiple clubs. Whether much, if any of the fees received will be deployed to fund any incoming deals remains to be seen.
Crysencio Summerville, however, is a different story. With the winger set for World Cup duty with the Netherlands, any move is likely to come late in the window adding yet more uncertainty.
Alvarez is an unwanted returner – but another whose future probably won’t be determined until after the World Cup
Meanwhile, loanees James Ward‑Prowse, Edson Álvarez, Maxwel Cornet and Niclas Füllkrug are all returning, though all four are expected to depart once again, on permanent transfers.
There is no clarity on who has compiled the club’s target list. Maximilian Hahn is leaving, though Dylan Curnell remains a respected figure within the recruitment team.
Supporters already know this summer is unlikely to deliver fireworks. If anything, it may be a slow burn!