David Moyes may have drawn criticism in his previous job for signing uninspiring former players, but that does not look to be the case this winter.
David Moyes will no doubt welcome the opening of the January transfer window next week as his West Ham United side look to do business.
For Moyes, though, this is not just an opportunity to boost his Hammers squad but also to show what he is capable of in the market when handed a significant budget.
West Ham have become one of the top spenders among the Premier League’s middle tier, which is more than can be said for the state of affairs at Moyes’ last job at Sunderland.
On Wearside, the former Manchester United manager had a paltry mid-season kitty following the costly arrival of Didier Ndong at the start of the campaign, contributing to a string of signings that were roundly mocked.
The Black Cats had brought in Paddy McNair, Donald Love, Steven Pienaar and Adnan Januzaj – all from Moyes’ former clubs – in the summer and that trend continued through the remainder of the season, with Victor Anichebe, Joleon Lescott, Darron Gibson and Bryan Oviedo also arriving.
That uninspiring bunch could not keep Sunderland in the Premier League and some are now struggling to achieve survival in the Championship, but Moyes has the chance to rewrite history this winter.
Names such as Alfie Mawson, Steven N’Zonzi and Andre Schurrle are beyond the wildest dreams of Sunderland supporters but, according to the Guardian, Moyes has targeted the trio at London Stadium.
If he should pull off such a triple coup and then see the new players fulfil their potential, Moyes’ Stadium of Light transfer failings would be long forgotten.
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