With the summer [transfer](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfer-news/) window opening on June 12th, Kyle Macaulay and his recruitment team have been hard at work compiling a list of targets that reflect a notable shift in strategy—one that places greater emphasis on recruiting younger, more versatile players.
Having developed strong connections within the Scottish leagues, **West Ham** have already moved early to sign striker Josh Landers from Hibernian. Talks are also ongoing with Celtic’s Daniel Cummings, while scouts have been spotted at Airdrie tracking the progress of highly rated twins Dylan and Cole Williams.
Closer to home, the club have maintained a close eye on the Championship, particularly at Sunderland. As Claret & Hugh has previously reported, Chris Rigg remains the most likely signing, and it’s believed his agent has already held talks with West Ham. Interest in Eliezer Mayenda and Jobe Bellingham continues, though Spurs are also monitoring the situation.
Another Championship player on the radar is Burnley’s CJ Egan-Riley, who offers tactical flexibility with the ability to play right-back, centre-back and in defensive midfield.
Further afield, Danish centre-back Lucas Høgsberg at FC Nordsjælland is being closely monitored, as is Dutch midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi. West Ham submitted a bid for Banzuzi in January which was reportedly rejected, although sources suggest his club were reluctant to sell mid-season. With Borussia Dortmund currently leading the race, the Hammers still remain interested and may revisit the deal in the summer.
In terms of striking options, the situation with Evan Ferguson remains unresolved. Both the player and his parent club are reportedly frustrated with his lack of minutes since joining West Ham on loan in January.
Meanwhile, the club’s long-standing interest in Jonathan David is well known, but several new attacking names have emerged:
* Evann Guessand (Nice)
* Emanuel Emegha (Strasbourg)
* Arnaud Kalimuendo (Rennes)
It’s shaping up to be a very busy summer at the London Stadium, with major turnover expected in the first-team squad and a clear desire to build a younger, more dynamic group under Graham Potter’s leadership.