Alarm bells area already ringing following [Graham Potter’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/has-graham-potter-already-found-his-soucek-replacement/) recent comment that “We have too many players, especially if they’re all senior players. There’s too much money not on the pitch. We have to be smart.”
A significant squad overhaul appears to be on the cards. With Fabianski, Cresswell, Coufal and Ings already released, and Soler and Ferguson returning to their parent clubs, and reports suggesting Antonio could also depart – West Ham may soon find themselves with just twenty first team players.
Further thinning could come if Cornet and Aguerd are moved on, and with persistent rumours that Alvarez, Rodriguez, Soucek, Emerson, Kudus, Guillherme and Paqueta are also potential exits – though it is unlikely the club will manage to sell them all – it could leave Potter with as few as eleven established first team players. A situation once described by Harry Redknapp as being down to the “bare bones”. Potter may need to conjure some serious magic to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
Publicly Potter appears to playing his cards close to his chest. “We don’t need a major squad rebuild ..we just need to put together a team our fans can be proud of.”
This summer will offer him a chance to further assess youngsters like Earthy, Casey, Potts, Orford, Scarles, Kante and Marshall though realistically only one or two may consistently break into the first team.
Rebuilding this squad is going to be a monumental task. After a disappointing season, securing reasonable fees for outgoing players won’t be easy – and cut price offers will test West Ham’s resolve. For West Ham fans, the summer may feel like extra time with no whistle in sight.