Former West Ham and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes the Hammers “need to invest” during the January transfer window.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Cole said that the board should not be concerned about paying a premium if it means rescuing the club from relegation:
“West Ham need to invest in January. It’s like being stuck in a muddy field at night and along comes a taxi. The fare might be £50 but you’ve got to pay it to get home.”
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Despite winning their last two games, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side still find themselves in the drop zone, with 10 points after 11 games played.
What positions do West Ham need to strengthen?
The Irons effectively need to reinforce the spine of their first-team, which means a new striker, a central midfielder and a centre-back.
With Niclas Fullkrug seemingly pushing to leave, Nuno could be left with just the injury-prone Callum Wilson as his only fit senior No.9.
Things need to be tightened up defensively as well. The 23 goals conceded is the second worst record in the English top-flight, with bottom of the table Wolves the only side to have let in more goals.
Who could be signed in January?
Several strikers have been looked at. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is seemingly top of the pile, with the Dutchman potentially available on loan.
His teammate Kobbie Mainoo has also been tipped for a move to West Ham, although other midfielders (including Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and Genoa’s Morten Frendrup) have been considered.
In terms of centre-backs, the top name is said to be Lille’s Alexsandro. There are obstacles in the way of that deal, though, with his asking price reportedly above €30m (£26m), while the defender is reluctant to switch teams ahead of the World Cup.
Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here