3 West Ham transfer situations that must be sorted by August 16th | OneFootball

These three transfer situations must be resolved at West Ham before their opener against Burnley

West Ham will be competing in the Championship next season for the first time in 14 years.

The Hammers’ focus will be on gaining promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, just as they did in 2011/12 under Sam Allardyce.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s most recent work in the second tier came when he led Wolves to the title in 2018, and he’ll be aiming to repeat that feat again in 2026/27.

The summer transfer window could prove key to the London outfit’s promotion ambitions, particularly now that Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville have been sold.

The club’s attention could now turn to incomings, even with more sales on the cards, with the market set to shut on 1 September.

Here we look at three situations in the transfer market that West Ham will want resolved by the time they face Burnley in their opening fixture of the new season on 16 August…

Aaron Wan Bissaka’s future

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Aaron Wan Bissaka was a consistent presence in the side last season under Espírito Santo, featuring 25 times in the Premier League.

The full-back’s future is up in the air following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

The DR Congo international is not yet back for pre-season after competing in the World Cup, helping his country reach the round of 32.

However, he may have played his final game for the Hammers anyway, with it being reported that Arsenal are interested in a deal for the defender.

Everton have also been credited with an interest amid suggestions West Ham are seeking £25 million to sanction a sale.

The Championship side will want a resolution for this wrapped up before the season gets underway, so that Espírito Santo can have a replacement lined up in time for the opener against Burnley.

Sorba Thomas deal

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West Ham have been linked with Stoke City winger Sorba Thomas following Summerville’s exit.

The Hammers will want to line up a new forward to replace the Dutchman, who has moved to Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal.

It’s been claimed that the Potters value the 26-year-old at £10 million after he registered 10 goals and 11 assists in the Championship last season.

It would be beneficial for Espírito Santo’s squad to act quickly and get this deal done before the opening round of fixtures now that Summerville has been sold given their lack of options on the left flank at the moment.

It would also be a return to the London outfit for Thomas, who previously spent time in the academy system before moving on to Boreham Wood in 2015.

Haji Wright negotiations

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West Ham have also been linked with a number of forward options, with the club seeking a new striker that could compete to lead the line.

Given Taty Castellanos’ future remains up in the air, a strong option is needed in case the Argentine departs.

One forward that West Ham are reportedly interested in is Haji Wright, who just helped Coventry City gain automatic promotion under Frank Lampard.

If the Hammers could seal a deal for the US international before the opening round of the season, then it would ease the pressure on the situation regarding Castellanos, and offer Espírito Santo a range of options to play up front against the Clarets.

And he is the kind of forward that could play a pivotal role in their promotion push, making him an attractive possible signing.