Though they’ve been ponderous and inactive in the current transfer window to date, it appears that West Ham might finally be getting their act together in terms of incoming transfers.
The Hammers looked to have been waiting for the Declan Rice transfer to Arsenal to be concluded before entering the market, but now there’s an obvious race against time as the new Premier League season begins in just over three weeks.
There are number of areas that the east Londoners need to strengthen in, and to that end, The Guardian (subscription required) are reporting on technical director Tim Steidten’s work behind the scenes to try and drive two transfers to a quick conclusion.
Currently in Australia, the first-team have enjoyed a decent start to their pre-season under David Moyes, most recently beating a Tottenham side for whom new manager, Ange Postecoglou, was making his debut on the bench.
If the east Londoners want 2023/24 to be a successful season, however, they are going to have to make a splash in the marketplace.
The Guardian say that the club are looking at Chelsea’s young left-back, Ian Maatsen, as a replacement for the outgoing Aaron Cresswell, whilst AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana remains a player of interest and someone who would be the replacement for Rice.
It remains to be seen whether Steidten can get either deal over the line.
I am astounded. They had opportunities to enquire about interested talents and as soon as Rice deal went through they had the money. Their transfer strategy appear to be in a mess. I would suggest that O’Sullivan/Moynes should butt out and let Steidten loose. They have lost valuable talent ie Leicester man. Now Gallager appears to be going to Spurs. What a shambles.
It’s disappointing that Newcastle have been given a free run at both Barnes and Gallagher , both Premier League proven . Westham should at the very least throw 40-45 million bids for these players to make Newcastle pay top dollar and reduce their funds to scoop up any other Westham targets . Although Newcastle’s owners are rich , they still must abide by FFP rules . No more over priced Sponge Bob Square Pants types of players for Westham as we can’t afford the wasted time and money ( look at Vlasic ) .
We are so slow in the transfer market. Sullivan & Moyes and in fact the entire West Ham family knew that Rice was on his way since the victory parade in East London. Yet as always the board and Moyes have dawdled and dithered. Now we have Lanzini gone, Rice gone and if rumours are to be believed, Cresswell is on his way, Antonio is on his way and Fornals is on his way. Moyes had no faith in Vlasic, playing him out of position and as a result he wants out. Moyes has no faith in Scamacca who was playing injured for most of last season and cannot play as a loan striker. As a result he wants to leave. Now we are looking at at Paulinho who Fulham have deliberately overpriced or Zaharia who was completely unsuccessful in the Premiership. Because of the ineptness in acting to secure the services of Barnes, Gallagher and Ward-Powse they will probably all go to rival clubs. It’s not like we are short of cash. Now we have to buy in some class signings to replace departing players and we need to add depth in strength too. What does Moyes want to do? Put Potts out on loan. I despair.
Moyes tactics are as dower as he is and as a result we cannot capture any exciting talent. Something has to give…Graham Potter are you free?