West Ham United may be looking for big changes this summer.
West Ham United are still fighting for their Premier League status, but Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Southampton has given them some breathing room, and renewed confidence of avoiding the drop.
Whether West Ham stay up or not though, big changes need to arrive this summer – and with that in mind, here is a five-point for how West Ham can attack this summer’s transfer window…
1. Find funds for the manager – whoever that may be
West Ham fans have recently made their feelings known about owners David Gold and David Sullivan, with many believing that the duo aren’t landing the ambitious signings that the Hammers need, having turned to Preston’s Jordan Hugill in January rather than signing a big-name striker. David Moyes may yet not be in charge next season, but whether it’s the Scot or another manager, they need to be backed with the funds to turn the Hammers back into a top eight side.
2. Bring in a clear first-choice goalkeeper
West Ham moved to bring in Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City last summer, but the England international has endured a miserable spell at the London Stadium, and Adrian hasn’t been able to prove that he should still be first-choice either. A top quality goalkeeper who can be West Ham’s number one for years to come has to be a priority this summer, rather than having such chopping and changing between two goalkeepers of average – at best – quality.
3. Add youth at centre back
Declan Rice is showing great potential in the West Ham defence, but with Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna both approaching 30, and 34-year-old James Collins nearing an exit this summer, it’s time for the Hammers to add more youth to their back line. Brighton’s Lewis Dunk or Swansea’s Alfie Mawson fit the bill as young English defenders who can not only solidify West Ham’s back line now, but also be fixtures of the defence for years to come.
4. Splash the cash on a central midfielder
West Ham spent much of the January transfer window looking for a central midfielder, and whilst they landed Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan, his move may not become permanent, and a more defensive option should be pursued anyway. As pure central midfielders, Moyes has been restricted to the likes of Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate, with another option – such as Anderlecht’s Leander Dendoncker, who was wanted in January – will be needed to give the Hammers more control in the middle of the park.
5. Back Hugill or sign another striker
West Ham did bring in a striker in January as they snapped up Jordan Hugill from Preston, but the 25-year-old has played just 22 minutes across three substitute appearances. The burly striker may just be taking a while to adjust to Premier League football, but his lack of playing time means that West Ham already face a conundrum this summer; either back Hugill to come on strong next season, or bring in another striker to lead the line alongside Marko Arnautovic.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
