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The View from Away – West Ham’s Good Business

By Scott Davis

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Manuel Pellegrini, Manager of West Ham United gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on May 04, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Manuel Pellegrini, Manager of West Ham United gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on May 04, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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So, West Ham have signed Pablo Fornals (Gonzo, I’m not using the nickname you gave him here, sorry….). Manuel Pellegrini wants him in the starting line up, along with Lanzini, Wilshere, Anderson, a striker (maybe Marko), a back 4, and Declan Rice. Great. Except…

…where does that leave Michail Antonio, Mark Noble, Yarmo, and (ideally) Nathan Holland? With Yarmo coming off of major knee issues, I can see him filling in and getting some cover action. Mark Noble has run our central midfield forever (ok, not forever, just seems like it), but even I (late to his side) have to admit he probably needs to play less than 38 matches next year. Sanchez is likely to depart, along with Obiang and Ogbonna. Where does that leave West Ham?

Related Story. Who better to sign for the Hammers than Pablo Fornals?. light

We seem to still need some CDM help, and probably a CB. We seem to be shopping for a man at the back, and while I am not entirely satisfied with our LB situation, Jeremiah points out that we may be ok with what we have. I suspect with the departure of Carroll and Perez, along with the possible departure of Chicharito, there is a serious search on for a striker.

I know West Ham have youth in the wings waiting to play, but we need to find someone that is more seasoned and a bit more ready to take on a heavy load. With rumors circulating on Marko’s brother talking about Champions League football, how long until that circus begins again is anyone’s guess.

I wrote earlier this offseason about how I thought West Ham’s line up would shake out. So far, I’m ok with what I predicted still happening somewhat. We do need to go off and find a striker, and if we sell Ogbonna, Hugill, Byram, Oxford, Samuelsson, and Chicharito, plus some of the money left in the bank, then I believe we have the money to go after a premier striker.

It probably WON’T be Maxi Gomez, but Aleksandar Mitrovic (see Nick, I can spell his name) is still out there. I recognize that he’s coming off a relegated club, but I believe he offers us a target that is reliable, will work hard and get us 12 to 15 goals in the EPL this year.

Next. West Ham’s lack of defensive depth must be addressed this summer. dark

So far, West Ham has done good business at the start of the window. If we can resolve the Lanzini contract issue, then we have a chance to move forward with a solid line up. Also, if we avoid having knee and ankle issues this year, that would be a huge change…