West Ham United have several priorities this summer. While the club is keen on quality additions, reducing the average age of the roster is on the to-do list.
The Hammers have the second-oldest squad in the Premier League, and the hierarchy must bring in fresh blood to refresh the team.
West Ham have started making moves ahead of a busy summer transfer window. The Irons are close to getting the first deal over the line.
According to [Fabrizio Romano](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1928129359044370749), West Ham have sealed a deal for highly-rated Celtic forward Daniel Cummings, who will officially join the club on July 1.
The 18-year-old striker completed his medical earlier this week, with a €300,000 training compensation fee agreed between the clubs.
Cummings has enjoyed a breakout campaign in Celtic’s youth ranks, netting an impressive 29 goals in 35 appearances.
He also made his senior Champions League debut this season at Villa Park.
The striker’s current contract with Celtic expires this summer, and despite efforts from the Scottish giants to tie him down, the player has opted to make the move south.
[West Ham saw off stiff competition from several Premier League sides to land the striker](https://westhamblog.co.uk/posts/west-ham-must-win-race-for-prolific-celtic-talent-daniel-cummings/).
Brighton & Hove Albion, Ipswich, Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Fulham were all interested.
Championship outfits, Sunderland and Burnley, were also monitoring the situation.
At London Stadium, Cummings is expected to provide depth in the forward line as the Hammers prepare for a busy summer rebuild.
With Michail Antonio nearing the twilight of his career and Niclas Fullkrug struggling with fitness issues, West Ham want new attacking options.
Cummings can back-up a marquee striker signing, giving manager Graham Potter a new option to call upon. He did not switch sides to remain in the youth ranks. He wants a step up.
His record in youth football is exciting, and Potter might be tempted to give him minutes off the bench in the Premier League. He could also shine in cup competitions.
The lack of European football means West Ham do not necessarily need a massive squad for next season. It is an opportunity for a young player like Cummings to strut his stuff.
(Stats from Transfermarkt)