West Ham’s new-look starting XI next season could include two freshly crowned European champions – if the latest rumours are anything to go by.
Graham Potter has made no secret of the fact he is planning a West Ham overhaul.
The problem is the Hammers have not brought in any new signings in the first month of an extended summer window.
Potter said he “ideally” wanted to work with new arrivals during pre-season.
But West Ham return to training in just over a week with no signings imminent.
No excuses after two major West Ham transfer revelations
West Ham’s board pleaded poverty over PSR to explain their transfer inactivity.
Sales need to be made to raise funds for transfers but there is no sign of any exits on the horizon soon either.
There were two major revelations at West Ham this week which change everything, though.
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Potter has spoken about wanting to bring in young, dynamic talents as he looks to drastically lower the age of the Premier League’s oldest squad.
In an effort to quell rising fan anger over the transfer situation ahead of what’s expected to be a fiercely competitive Premier League campaign, the Hammers’ hierarchy provided a new excuse.
Graham Potter looks on intently during West Ham United FC v Nottingham Forest FC in the Premier League
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Hammers News revealed West Ham claim transfer activity has been delayed because many of their targets have been taking part in the Under 21 European Championships.
It also emerged this week that West Ham’s owners can inject £90m for transfers if they want to.
And it was stated by a top club source that they will do so ‘if needed’.
The European Championships ended on Saturday.
So now the time for excuses is quite literally over for the Irons.
And West Ham could have two European champions in a new-look starting XI if rumours are true.
West Ham could have two Euro champs in new-look starting XI
It was confirmed this week that the Hammers have enquired about signing Harvey Elliott from Liverpool.
Elliott has reportedly grown frustrated at his lack of game time at Liverpool and is looking for a move this summer.
Better still for West Ham, Liverpool are open to selling the 22-year-old.
Midfield is a major issue for Potter and a key focus of his Hammers rebuild.
So a move for Elliott makes perfect sense.
The Fulham academy graduate was the player of the tournament as he scored two brilliant goals in the semi-finals to lead England to the final against Germany.
Harvey Elliott (L) celebrates with Omari Hutchinson (C) and Jay Stansfield (R) after scoring the opening goal of England's 3-2 UEFA U21 European Championship semi-final against the Netherlands
Photo by TOMAS BENEDIKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images
West Ham want Elliott and Hutchinson to replace Kudus and Paqueta
And when the big game came around on Saturday, he made an instant impact, scoring after five minutes to put the Three Lions on course for a 3-2 victory and the trophy.
The Hammers are planning on selling Mohammed Kudus and – if cleared of spot-fixing – Lucas Paqueta too.
Elliott would be the perfect replacement for Paqueta.
And one of Elliott’s England Under 21 teammates is also being eyed by Potter as a replacement for Kudus.
West Ham have been linked with Ipswich attacker Omari Hutchinson by the likes of BBC Sport and other outlets this week.
Better still, it’s been claimed Hutchinson is open to a move to the London Stadium.
Now Hammers board must make it happen for Potter
Like his fellow Hammers target Elliott, Hutchinson also scored in the final as England went all the way.
Now it is down to whether the owners back Potter with some funds – whether by way of injecting their own cash or offsetting the moves against the presumed sales of Kudus and a host of others.
After reassuring fans slow progress was down to many of their targets being at the Euros, now is the time for action.
And if the Hammers can land Elliott and Hutchinson they would have two European champions in their new-look side next season.
Elliott and Hutchinson are not the only England Under 21 stars being linked with West Ham either.
Man City’s James McAtee, who captained the Three Lions to their triumph, has been consistently linked with a move to east London since Potter arrived in January.