With the transfer window opening on the 1st June, [West Ham a](https://www.claretandhugh.info/fractured-west-hams-striker-curse-crosses-the-atlantic/)re expected to take a relatively quiet approach in the early stages. With Graham Potter and his backroom staff currently away on holiday, major transfer activity is likely to be delayed – but that doesn’t meant it will be a quiet summer overall.
Before the club even target a goal keeper, they need to find a goalkeeping coach. Potter was hoping to lure Ben Roberts away from Chelsea, yet the West London club are demanding a significant buy out fee that West Ham are unwilling to meet: The Irons have decided to walk away and will turn their attentions elsewhere.
According to reports and a variety of sources – there’s a significant amount of work to be done before the window closes.
One of the immediate priorities will be deciding the futures of several promising academy stars pushing for a first team place. A number of EFL clubs have already enquired about their availability, with Hull City showing particular interest in securing Lewis Orford and Kaelan Casey on season long loans.
With funds tight, West Ham may look to make, smart, cost effective deals. Genoa have expressed interest in Maxwel Cornet, following his loan spell, and face competition from several Ligue One clubs. Genoa duo Koni Di Winter and Morten Frendrup are targets for West Ham – so a potential deal including Cornet and cash could be under consideration.
Luis Guilherme presents a conundrum for Graham Potter. The highly rated Brazilian has drawn significant attention from clubs both domestically and across Europe. While he is eager to stay and fight for a first team place, any potential exit would likely require either a sell on clause or a loan arrangement. That said, with a smaller squad, retaining him may be necessary just to ensure sufficient depth.
As mentioned in a previous article, this will be a very competitive transfer window, with many clubs conscious of PSR (Profit Sustainability Rules), several are targeting similar profiles.
Ardon Jashari is one such player – a midfielder aged 22 who was a stand out performer for Club Brugge last season. West Ham face competition from Manchester City and a number of big European clubs.
Albian Hajdari a Swiss centre back playing for Lugano has a £4.2m release clause so is another player where there will be plenty of competition for his signature, which includes West Ham, Bournemouth, Lazio and Bologna.
Much to do: The jury is out whilst Hammers’ fans wait to see if the new trio of Potter, Macaulay and Sullivan can produce a better, younger, faster, more balanced squad ready for August.