West Ham are yet to make major moves in the transfer window.placeholder image
West Ham are yet to make major moves in the transfer window. | Getty Images
The Hammers must sell-to-buy but could be active in the free agent market already.
West Ham continue to be one of the quieter Premier League clubs when it comes to transfer activity this summer.
That’s somewhat surprising given the Hammers’ thoroughly underwhelming 2024/25 campaign but The Athletic did confirm last month that the club’s financial situation means they must sell before they buy.
Kyle Walker-Peters
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender left Southampton following the club’s relegation to the Championship last season. Walker-Peters had spent five years at the club, which he first joined on loan from Spurs in 2020.
While the Saints endured a dire campaign last time out, Walker-Peters was one of the few players who could hold their heads up high. The defender made 33 league appearances and featured on both flanks thanks to his versatility.
Walker-Peters is the type of wing back that could fit into Potter’s system at the London Stadium well and the club are in need of recruits in those areas following the departures of Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell upon the expiry of their contract. West Ham will have to move quickly if they want to snap up Walker-Peters, with Sunderland and Everton both also linked in reports this week.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
It’s surprising not to see Doucoure snapped up by a new club following his departure from Everton this season. The 32-year-old had a somewhat stop-start season last time out but has been industrious for the Toffees at times in recent years with the club fighting relegation.
A box-to-box midfielder, the player has bags of Premier League experience to his name with 278 outings in the division. Doucoure can play in a defensive midfield role or in a more attacking position, with 36 league goals to his name.
West Ham have seen Carlos Soler return to PSG following the end of his loan spell with Tomas Soucek linked with an exit to Everton. James Ward-Prowse had to be recalled early from his loan to Nottingham Forest to help out in midfield last season too. Potter wants a younger West Ham side, but a move for the experienced Doucoure could be a shrewd investment.
Tom Cairney
If Potter does want to add experience into his midfield, then former Fulham club captain Tom Cairney could be another option. The 34-year-old has ended his 10-year stay at Craven Cottage this summer.
Cairney would not offer the dynamism of Doucoure but is the type of personality that West Ham lacked last season. The Hammers striker Niclas Fullkrug ranted about his teammates’ lack of passion last term and that has certainly never been a criticism levelled at Cairney.
The midfielder has been regularly praised for his attitude, even when not on the pitch. Cairney may only be used off the bench and in cup matches at West Ham but would certainly earn his wage in dressing room influence.
Last season, Fulham boss Marco Silva said: “He’s a very important one, he loves the club and loves football. That’s the great thing about Tom, he’s that generation and reminds me of my generation. We love football and knew all the players, all the clubs. Tom Cairney represents this type of football player - not that he is old - but he is like our generation because football was everything and he loves to see football. As a player, with the ball at his feet, he can do many good things.”
In other news, West Ham free agent must offer services to Millwall after Charlton Athletic rejection - opinion.
Continue Reading