West Ham United were among the busiest clubs during the 2026 January transfer window.
In total, five players signed for West Ham during the January transfer window, and the club spent close to £50million – albeit they did recoup a lot of money through player sales.
Still, it remains to be seen if West Ham’s business will be enough to keep them in the Premier League.
The Hammers have added in key areas. Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe provide energy up front, something that has already been seen.
Our squad is set, but it’s not perfect – and exactly who is to blame for that?
A graphic asking fans to name who has caused the most issues in the West Ham squad.
Credit: Getty Images/Warren Little
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Adama Traore offers another option out wide, while Axel Disasi is capable of strengthening a porous backline.
However, all of them come with risks, although that is perhaps just the nature of a notoriously difficult window such as January.
With the caveat that signing players halfway through a season – particularly when you’re fighting against relegation – applied, Hammers News look at three big mistakes West Ham made in January.
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Not signing experienced players
Taty and Pablo have impressed to a degree, but the jury is still out on whether either are prolific enough in front of goal to keep the Irons in the Premier League.
Callum Wilson is more of a guarantee and while keeping him was a positive, relying on a 33-year-old with a poor injury record is also a gamble.
It’s not too long ago that Axel Disasi snubbed West Ham – so what has changed? 👀
To be fair, it won’t matter if he keeps us up 😂
A graphic showing Axel Disasi's opening message to West Ham fans.
Credit; Getty Images/James Baylis – AMA
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There are clearly positives to each of the three forwards but none of them are 100% convincing. Goals may be a problem.
Defensively, Disasi should technically offer experience but he’s not played any meaningful football in almost nine months.
Not signing a goalkeeper
West Ham wanted to sign a goalkeeper in January but were unable to.
Now, Alphonse Areola divides opinion. The Frenchman boasts one of the better save percentage records in the Premier League this season, but is prone to the odd mistake.
Relying on him isn’t the biggest issue, however.
A mixed transfer window for the Hammers! ⚒️
But what is your biggest January regret? What would you change if you could?
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Indeed, the club appear to have given up on summer signing Mads Hermansen and Hammers News understands they were open to selling him only a few months after a big money move from Leicester.
One injury to Areola and a player West Ham do not appear to be convinced on is going to have to be brought back into a key area, at least until Lukasz Fabianski returns to fitness.
Leaving the midfield weak
None of Andy Irving, James Ward-Prowse nor Guido Rodriguez particularly impressed during their careers at the club.
Still, the fact all three of them – and Lucas Paqueta (if one counts him as a midfielder) – left without a replacement does leave Nuno Espirito Santo somewhat light.
It’s asking a lot of Tomas Soucek and Mateus Fernandes in the middle of the park and while Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa are promising, they are relatively inexperienced themselves.
Risky business could cost West Ham and David Sullivan their Premier League status in just a few months’ time.
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