‘Tis the season for giving, but also for putting together a list for Saint Nick to review of things you want. When it comes to West Ham, the list isn’t long, but it is pretty critical!
A versatile forward – Jarrod Bowen, anyone?
West Ham need a forward that can play across the front three, out wide, and in a striker partnership with speed and finishing the priority skills. This need doesn’t push Albian Ajeti aside either! With Ajeti acting as a striker, a versatile forward would provide squad depth and a needed different dimension off the bench.
Two players come to mind for a January transfer most notably Jarrod Bowen. Bowen is lighting up the Championship this season with sixteen goals and four assists in 23 games, splitting time between rightwing, center-forward, and secondary striker. At just 23 years old he’s the perfect candidate. Aside from him, Eberechi Eze is the other candidate. he’s 21 years old, plays across the attacking midfield, and is a dynamic playmaker – either one would be ideal!
Center-midfield overhaul and depth
Bringing in another winger doesn’t help the center-midfield on the nose, however, it could push Robert Snodgrass back to a CM position, his most natural position. This would also hopefully instigate the selling of Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere to clear squad space for some additions.
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To top the addition list is Norwegian midfielder, Sander Berge. The 21-year old has attracted attention from Europe’s best teams yet West Ham’s link is still strong due to the likelihood of him walking into the starting XI. With four goals and over 500 minutes of Champions League action for Genk, he would be a no brainer addition and the Hammers should prioritize him immediately.
Outside of Berge, Joe Allen should be looked at from Stoke City. Often viewed as the best player on the team, Allen is far too good to be on the sinking ship that Stoke City is. A lifeline to him, financial pocket padding to the club’s owners, and a transfer chip to help get Jack Butland too. Allen isn’t next level, but he could prove impactful for depth-wise.
Defensive depth – outfield and in goal
Two positions are needing improvement, backup keeper and fullback. For a backup keeper, David Martin has proved he can handle the load competently if needed, however with his injury and age there are doubts about him taking over should Lukasz Fabianski be out longterm again. As mentioned, Jack Butland would be an ideal candidate to come in and push Fabianski for regular minutes. Martin would also still keep his positions as third-choice keeper but this would necessarily spell the end for Roberto… thankfully.
As for fullbacks, ExWHUemployee has confirmed the board are potentially shopping for a new addition to the team, although the names brought up are polar opposites. Max Aarons of Norwich would be the ideal purchase with his youth and game-breaking ability on display in his inaugural Premier League season. The opposite end of the spectrum would be Southampton’s Cedric. It’s a hard pass on Cedric and an ‘all-in’ on Aarons who could be a next-level player!