Potter has some big decisions ahead of himPotter has some big decisions ahead of him
Potter has some big decisions ahead of him | Getty Images
A look at some of West Ham’s reported summer transfer priorities.
A giant summer lays in wait for West Ham, and particularly for Graham Potter who will enter next season walking a tightrope having struggled to turn things around at the London Stadium since arriving in January.
In truth, the Hammers are lucky not to be involved in a relegation battle after what has been a hugely disappointing season on the back of some significant investment last summer. Potter looks set to get another crack at it next season, armed with his own squad, but he is surely going to be walking a thin line from the off given the struggles of the second half of this season. GiveMeSport’s Dean Jones has been speaking about the Irons’ transfer plans, and here we round up the latest.
Defensive improvements
West Ham are said to be focusing on defensive targets heading into the summer, and two youngster are said to be attracting their attention. Burnley star CJ Egan-Riley is said to be one of the players they are looking at, but that might be a tricky deal to pull off this summer given the Clarets won promotion to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong is also said to be a target, but the right-back could also be a tricky signing given Enzo Maresca seems to think the youngster has a first-team future in the short-term. Maresca has said: "The one I fall in love with tonight is Josh Acheampong. He can be a fantastic player for this club."
Elsewhere, Luis Henrique of Olympique Marseille and Kyle Walker-Peters of Southampton have also been linked, and it’s almost certain that the latter will be on the move after Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League. Taylor Harwood-Bellis has also been linked.
Striker chase
A striker is another big priority for the Hammers, and it’s reported that Potter wants Lille’s Jonathan David, who is available on a free transfer this summer, but the Irons are not expected to win that particular race, nor the race to sign Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who will go for a significant chunk of cash.
It’s reported that West Ham aren’t particularly interested in making Evan Ferguson’s stay permanent. Other options could include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike or Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha, but West Ham are going to have to convince such players that they are ready to take a huge step forward from this season. If they can’t, they face paying more in fees and wages or missing out altogether.
Other recruits and a departure
It’s no secret that the Irons are interested in snapping up Lille midfielder and England international Angel Gomes this summer, but Tottenham are also said to be pushing for that particular deal. It seems Gomes won’t make his mind up until after this season has concluded.
In goal, Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher have been linked with the Irons, who are expected to add competition between the sticks. On the outgoings front, it’s reported that Mohammed Kudus is the main name to keep an aye out for amid regular interest from Saudi Arabia.
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