Transfers dominate as West Ham prepare for big summer overhaul | OneFootball

West Ham’s Transfer Reset: Big Moves and Bigger Questions Ahead

West Ham are poised for a defining summer. With Graham Potter at the helm and Kyle Macaulay leading recruitment, this is no quiet transition. The scale of the rebuild required is significant, not just in terms of squad depth, but also in recalibrating identity after a period of sporadic success and structural inconsistency.

Last summer’s spending spree ranked them among Europe’s most aggressive in the market. This time, the challenge is not just quantity, but quality – an intelligent reshaping of a squad that still bears the imprint of multiple managerial eras.

Striker Hunt Takes Centre Stage

There’s little debate about the most urgent need. West Ham require a striker. Niclas Fullkrug’s debut season was plagued by injury, and Potter frequently turned to Jarrod Bowen to patch up the attack.

Evan Ferguson’s arrival in January on loan from Brighton was a calculated risk. Unfortunately, it did not pay off. Eight appearances, zero goals – it left the Hammers still searching for a reliable centre-forward. Lille’s Jonathan David is firmly on the radar, though his availability on a free transfer ensures West Ham won’t be alone in the race. Meanwhile, League One standout Richard Kone of Wycombe is also being monitored after a breakout campaign.

Midfield and Defensive Reinforcements on Agenda

West Ham’s midfield lacked tempo last season and that’s a priority for overhaul. Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge and Lille’s Angel Gomes are both being considered to inject pace and dynamism. Daniel Cummings is expected to arrive from Celtic, while defensive gaps left by the departing Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal also need urgent attention.

Photo: IMAGO

A new centre-back remains a possibility, especially with uncertainty over Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma. Fikayo Tomori, long admired at the club, fits the profile of what Potter’s West Ham could become – progressive, assured, and capable of building from the back.

Goalkeeping changes are also inevitable, with Lukasz Fabianski on the way out. Unless Wes Foderingham steps up, competition is likely to be brought in to challenge or cover for Alphonse Areola.

Key Departures Could Fund Rebuild

There is potential for high-profile exits. Mohamed Kudus, one of the few true match-winners in the squad, could be sold if serious offers arrive. It would sting – but with the club needing to reinvest wisely across several positions, sacrifices may be necessary.

Jarrod Bowen is going nowhere. West Ham have made it clear he’s the cornerstone, not the collateral. As for others, Maxwel Cornet, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Guido Rodriguez and Edson Alvarez are all candidates for departure. Michail Antonio’s future is unresolved, while Kurt Zouma and Danny Ings are heading for the exit.

This window isn’t just about spending – it’s about signalling intent. After years of oscillating between pragmatism and ambition, Potter’s West Ham have the opportunity to craft something coherent. The question is whether they’ll seize it.