Aaron Cresswell and David Sullivan at West Ham United.
(Credit: Imago)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Ian Darke
Thu 13 March 2025 17:47, UK
West Ham United have had an underwhelming season based on projections made last summer and certainly money spent.
Tim Steidten was behind a West Ham recruitment drive which exceeded £100million, only to find his head coach appointment choice Julen Lopetegui last just 22 games with Graham Potter now picking up the pieces, Steidten himself now also having departed.
It will be a season finale towards mediocrity this year, but the advantageous side is that the Hammers can plan early for 2025-26 and learn from last summer’s mistakes – starting with David Sullivan and filtering down towards the squad and backroom staff.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan
David Sullivan has to carefully navigate West Ham’s summer business-wise (Credit: Imago)
West Ham urged to offer Cresswell new deal
West Ham United’s transfer window has been expected to be “limited” by TV commentator and football analysis expert Ian Darke.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Darke believes the Irons cannot sustainably take the gung-ho approach of last summer.
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Because of this, contracts of existing players in the squad may be reconsidered, including that of Aaron Cresswell, who has starred since Potter came in.
Aside from a difficult display alongside his West Ham teammates against Newcastle United last time out, the defender – with over 300 Premier League appearances to his name – is out of contract in June and can now speak to other clubs.
“You can see a scenario where Cresswell would be given another year with his performances under Potter,” Darke envisaged.
“The one thing about him is he may be 35, but he knows his way around the Premier League, he’s been a terrific servant to the team and he’s down-to-earth.
“What I love about Cresswell is the story of him still cleaning his own boots which goes back to his academy days.
“He’s just a great pro and you want good things to happen to him. I hope he gets another year, because West Ham’s recruitment this summer you’d think will be on a more limited basis.”
1Aaron Cresswell
Cresswell is now 35 and could leave the London Stadium on a free transfer (Credit: Imago)
Hammers have more contract expiries to sort out
Cresswell is free to leave the London Stadium on a free this summer as he advertises himself as more of a viable future asset under the reign of Potter, barely featuring under Lopetegui.
The 35-year-old isn’t the only one. Michail Antonio is in a similar age profile and will likely resume talks over his future once he has made a full recovery, a figure always welcome back at the club regardless.
West Ham contracts expiring this summer Age
Aaron Cresswell 35
Michail Antonio 34
Lukasz Fabianski 39
Danny Ings 32
Vladimir Coufal 32
The Irons also have Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings out of contract this summer, as well as Lukasz Fabianski, who will turn 40 before the end of the season.
These players represent a clutch of senior pros who have had astounding careers, and Potter may feel tempted to keep at least a couple of them in the building.
They could in turn help ease the transition towards a young and vibrant team who must ultimately maintain that West Ham ethos, before being phased out next year instead and making way for a developed and exciting group.
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