West Ham’s owners have described the summer transfer window so far in a single word – but have offered up some exciting news in an update.
Hammers News exclusive
Frustration building among West Ham fans has been acknowledged but the board have also confirmed some exciting news that could change the mood around the club.
There’s no hiding it has been a totally underwhelming start to a summer transfer window that Hammers boss Graham Potter promised would be ‘exciting and interesting’.
The Hammers boss will head into the new Premier League season under pressure to hit the ground running after a terrible return of just five wins from his first 19 games in charge.
Potter was afforded a period of grace by West Ham fans after taking over mid-season.
But that is over and Tony Cottee has warned Potter West Ham must start well in the first six games to avoid being axed.
Potter needs his own players to turn West Ham around
It has been clear for all to see that the manager needs his own players if he is to turn the Hammers around having failed to get a tune out of most of the existing squad in his first six months.
The former Chelsea boss has declared he wants to rebuild the team around young, athletic players who can grow together.
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Potter was also keen to trim the squad with seven players leaving so far and more to follow in sales.
West Ham are targeting at least five signings this summer but need to raise funds to complete any major arrivals in the £15-20m plus bracket.
Graham Potter watches on during Brighton and Hove Albion FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
The Hammers boss said he “ideally” wanted to work with new signings in pre-season.
That is now just four days away and West Ham are yet to bring in any new additions, besides young forward Daniel Cummings – who will start by training with the Under 21s.
A number of Premier League clubs have been very busy in the window so far or have deals lined up.
Newly-promoted trio Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland have made 13 signings between them and counting.
There has been rising anger towards West Ham’s owners from the fanbase as a result of the financial situation.
West Ham owners use one word to sum up window so far
There was a glimmer of hope this week, though, when it was claimed West Ham’s window had burst into life with bids for two players.
In a sudden flurry of speculation, it was then stated the Hammers were lining up a move for a third star in as many days.
Now West Ham’s owners have used one word to sum up the window so far but they have also confirmed some exciting news.
It was claimed this week the Hammers have had an initial proposal rejected for Slavia Prague and Senegal left-back-cum-wingback El Hadji Malick Diouf.
West Ham are said to have offered around £17.5m for the 20-year-old.
Jude Bellingham struggles to contain El Hadji Malick Diouf in England's defeat to Senegal
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
It was then reported that the Irons are poised to bid for young German striker Nelson Weiper, who just recently starred at the Euro Under 21 Championship.
Warrior defender Charlie Cresswell is in West Ham’s sights too while Hammers News has had it confirmed that versatile Spanish centre-back Oscar Mingueza – who can also play at right-back – is a player the manager and head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay like.
Some West Ham fans have been sceptical of the sudden links to bids for signings.
That is totally understandable given the narrative around having to sell before the Hammers can buy.
Hammers News reached out to the top spokesman for West Ham’s board.
It was put to the owners that there seems to have been a sudden spike in transfer links with talk of multiple bids made by West Ham.
Hammers board confirm exciting news
The Hammers spokesman was also asked how the club are finding dealings and negotiations in the current market.
“Tough,” was the word the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners used to described this summer’s window for the Hammers.
“We have a few bids in for players but I won’t divulge names of the players we are bidding for.
“Nothing is near at the moment but we are trying.”
It is a major boost to have official confirmation that multiple bids have indeed been lodged for signings.
Actually having bids out there for players is a major step forward.
But it means little unless David Sullivan and the hierarchy can get some of them over the line, though.
Some fans will point to the transfer business being done by Premier League clubs so far to argue West Ham are being left behind.
With the return of the Premier League now just six weeks away, the Hammers must start shaping their squad for next season as soon as possible.