West Ham entered this January transfer window hoping to strengthen their squad, especially in attack, with key players like Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen sidelined.
But instead of new signings, the biggest change at the club has been in the manager’s office, as Julen Lopetegui was sacked and Graham Potter was brought in to take charge.
Despite the summer’s £130 million transfer spend, the club’s recruitment process has been under scrutiny.
Technical director Tim Steidten, who oversaw most of that spending, has seen his role diminish ahead of his expected departure, with co-owner David Sullivan taking charge of negotiations.
Potter has also brought in a new head of recruitment, Kyle Macaulay, to help strengthen the squad before the window closes.
No Incoming Deals Yet But a Loan Deal for Maxwel Cornet
As of now, West Ham hasn’t made any major signings this month.
The only movement in the first team has been the departure of winger Maxwel Cornet, who had his loan at Southampton terminated and has now joined Italian side Genoa on loan for the rest of the season.
Fans might be disappointed with the lack of incoming transfers, especially after constant rumors linking the club to multiple strikers.
However, Potter seems unfazed by the situation.
He’s adamant that buying a striker just for the sake of it could cause more harm than good.
Instead, he’s focusing on finding the right player who fits the team’s needs and comes at the right price.
West Ham Needs Reinforcements Up Front But Can They Afford It?
While Potter is cautious about bringing in players, he does recognize the need to bolster his forward line.
With key attackers like Niclas Fullkrug, Michail Antonio, and Jarrod Bowen all sidelined with injuries, West Ham’s attacking options are limited.
Danny Ings is the only fit striker, but Potter has been forced to play other players like Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus out of position as makeshift forwards.
At the beginning of the window, the club made it clear they would need to sell before buying, but just when it seemed like they wouldn’t have the funds, they somehow found nearly £60 million to bid for striker Jhon Duran.
Typical of West Ham, they seem to manage to find the money when needed.
West Ham’s Targets: Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Lorient’s Eli Junior Kroupi
According to sources, West Ham’s primary targets are Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Lorient’s Eli Junior Kroupi.
The club is in negotiations about whether to pursue a permanent deal or a loan deal with an option to buy.
Potter knows Ferguson well, having given him his debut at Brighton, though the Irish forward has been sidelined with an ankle injury since December.
While West Ham also showed interest in Ajax forward Brian Brobbey, the asking price was too steep, and the club preferred a loan deal rather than an outright purchase.
Luis Guilherme’s Rapid Decline: From £25.5m Summer Signing to Possible £12m Exit
One of the most puzzling situations at West Ham is the future of 18-year-old Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme.
Signed for £25.5 million just last summer, he has yet to make a Premier League start and now could be sold for half that price.
Shakhtar Donetsk has reportedly tabled a £12 million bid, reflecting how quickly the player’s situation has changed.
This situation highlights the uncertainty surrounding the club’s summer transfer strategy.
Tim Steidten, the technical director who was responsible for bringing Guilherme to the club, is also leaving, which has led to his access to the club’s transfer data being restricted.
Key Players Stepping Up for West Ham: Bowen’s Return and Scarles’ Breakthrough
While the transfer window has been relatively quiet, a few players have been stepping up for the Hammers.
Jarrod Bowen, who has been recovering from a fractured foot, is set to return ahead of schedule and could feature against Chelsea soon.
His comeback is a major boost for Potter as Bowen’s presence on the pitch will be crucial for the team’s attack.
Young left-back Oliver Scarles has also impressed Potter since being given a chance in the first team, and he could play a more prominent role going forward.
Additionally, Lucas Paqueta, who struggled under Lopetegui, has shown signs of improvement under Potter, scoring goals and delivering solid performances in unfamiliar positions.
However, the Brazilian’s legal issues, linked to an alleged spot-fixing scandal, remain a concern for the club as his hearings in March approach.
With a few weeks left before the transfer window closes, West Ham has plenty of decisions to make as they continue to navigate injuries, player departures, and the need for fresh faces in the squad.
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