When Graham Potter took over at West Ham, there was cautious optimism.
The club had just survived a tough Premier League season, and Potter hinted at an “exciting summer” of rebuilding.
Fast-forward to the tail end of the transfer window, and fans are beginning to wonder if that promised overhaul is really on track.
Let’s break down what’s been done, what still needs doing, and where things might be headed.
A Slow Start in the Transfer Market
So far, West Ham haven’t exactly lit up the transfer window. Only a handful of first-team additions have arrived.
There’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, a 20-year-old left back from Senegal, who cost around £19 million.
Then there’s Kyle Walker-Peters, picked up on a free after his Southampton contract ended.
Technically, Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan was made permanent, but that deal was initiated under the previous regime.
While talented, he doesn’t necessarily fit the current manager’s long-term vision.
What’s Still Missing?
In short: quite a bit. Top of the list is a new goalkeeper.
Lukasz Fabianski is gone, and there are growing doubts about Alphonse Areola, especially after a shaky pre-season showing.
Central midfield also needs reinforcing, particularly after the club struggled to replace Declan Rice.
The energy and creativity in the middle of the pitch just hasn’t been there.
A new winger could help too, with injuries and exits thinning the options out wide.
And while the striker situation looked urgent early in the summer, it’s become less of a focus—despite the fact that Niclas Füllkrug is the only senior option and not exactly the most durable.
Names in the Frame
Several players are being considered, especially between the sticks.
Leicester’s Mads Hermansen and Parma’s Zion Suzuki are two goalkeepers strongly linked to the club. Suzuki, in particular, fits Potter’s preference for young, high-upside signings.
Midfield targets include Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and possibly Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott or Tyler Morton.
Though Liverpool’s asking price may be too steep, West Ham are keeping tabs.
Romano Schmid from Werder Bremen and Southampton’s Shea Charles are also being monitored.
Money Talks… or Doesn’t
Budget concerns loom large. West Ham spent big in the last two years, and now Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) are putting pressure on the club to sell before making further moves.
The recent sale of Mohammed Kudus to Spurs has helped ease things slightly, but major spending likely depends on more outgoings.
Who Could Be on Their Way Out?
All eyes are on Lucas Paquetá. If cleared in his ongoing investigation, he could finally make a move, possibly to Manchester City or back home to Flamengo.
West Ham want a hefty fee—somewhere around £60–70 million—but Flamengo believe a lower bid could do the trick.
The club is also open to offloading fringe players like Edson Álvarez, Guido Rodríguez, and Nayef Aguerd, though solid offers haven’t materialized yet.
So What’s Next?
With just a few weeks left before the window slams shut, West Ham still have lots of business to get done.
The blueprint is clear—young, talented players with potential resale value—but whether they can actually land them in time is the big question.
Potter’s rebuild isn’t off the rails just yet, but unless things move quickly, it might be a long season ahead.