A new centre-forward, a left-footed centre-half, a dynamic, up and coming midfielder and a top-quality back-up goalkeeper; Yes, West Ham United can afford to pat themselves on the back and toast a job well done.
But, with a month left before the shutters come clattering down, there is still more than enough time to turn a B+ into an A.
Here are five of the most realistic signings West Ham could make in the final few weeks of the window.
Andrea Onana – Lille
West Ham might have finally reached an agreement with the 2021 Ligue 1 champions – shaking hands on a £35 million transfer fee – but it’s no time for complacency. According to The Sun, there is still one ‘personal terms’ shaped obstacle standing in the way of the finish line.
And, as West Ham discovered when trying to land Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal, it doesn’t matter how much you’re willing to splash out if the player in question has concerns about sign on the dotted line.
But, with the likes of Liverpool and Nottingham Forest looking elsewhere, at least the Hammers can go about their business, safe in the knowledge that their Onana deal is unlikely to be hi-jacked by a Premier League rival.
Filip Kostic – Eintracht Frankfurt
Surely Moyes would not have let Arthur Masuaku go unless he was confident of signing a replacement. And what a replacement. Only Thomas Muller and Lionel Messi have set up more goals than Kostic over the last four seasons, and one of Europe’s most underrated widemen could be one of the finest pound-for-pound signings anywhere on the continent at around £18 million.
According to the Evening Standard, Kostic is ‘tempted’ by a move a West Ham side he helped knock out of the Europa League only a couple of months ago.
Maxwel Cornet – Burnley
With Piotr Zielinski rebuffing their advances, West Ham may have to look closer to home for attacking reinforcements. And Cornet – a bright spark in a black season at Burnley – is reportedly ‘close to joining’ with that £17.5 million release clause in his Turf Moor contract just begging to be triggered (Guardian).
It has been suggested that the Hammers would only sign one of Cornet or Kostic, rather than both. The Ivorian’s versatility means that is not necessarily the case, however. Throughout his career, Cornet has played almost as many games on the right as he has on the left.
Hwang Ui-Jo – Bordeaux
Despite stumping up £30 million for Gianluca Scamacca, West Ham are still hoping to bring in another number nine; An affordable addition who would not necessarily command a regular starting role but would be a useful member of a squad stretched thin by European commitments.
Hwang Ui Jo, reportedly available for £7 million following Bordeaux’s relegation, ticks a lot of boxes. The dynamic South Korean even confirmed in July that West Ham have indeed come calling.
“It is true that offers have arrived from FC Nantes and West Ham United, as well,” he said.
And, according to Bordeaux coach David Guion, Hwang could have a new club within the coming days.
Ludovic Ajorque – Strasbourg
According to Sky, no fewer than eight Premier League clubs watched Ajorque in action during Strasbourg’s 3-0 pre-season victory over an under-strength Liverpool on Sunday. West Ham are one of those.
Now, the 6ft 6ins Ajorque would be a lot more expensive than Hwang. He will reportedly to cost around £18 million. And similarities with one Sebastien Haller may leave some supporters feeling rather cold.
But Ajorque, scorer of 28 Ligue 1 goals in the last two seasons, is a striker who thrives on service. In particular, pinpoint deliveries from out wide. And West Ham are hardly lacking in creativity from the flanks.
Kostic and Ajorque feel like a match made in footballing heaven.
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