A positive look at West Ham United’s transfer window so far

When the transfer window opens, all fans want to see their club invest and bring in stars to the club. West Ham fans expect no different but have been disappointed thus far.

West Ham may be failing to land primary transfer targets such as Matty Cash, Eberechi Eze, Said Benrahma. It is reported that manager David Moyes will have to sell players to fund any moves he has planned this summer.

Understandably, fans will be frustrated, especially after what was, all in all, a very disappointing season spent fighting relegation, yet again. Since the move to the London Stadium, there has only really been one positive season for Hammers fans to be excited about (2018-19).  So after the club took a step backwards last season, it would seem plausible that there would be plans to strengthen the side to avoid another relegation battle.

Despite all this apparent doom and gloom, there is a spin to be made on the transfer window so far that could make it seem positive.

Declan Rice is still a Hammer.

The biggest concern that West Ham fans had about this transfer window was the future of Declan Rice. The Englishman has had another stellar season establishing himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the country if not Europe.

Former Hammer and current Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is reportedly a big fan of Rice and wants to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer, A move to Chelsea seems unlikely now for the 21-year-old. The BLues have already spent heavily on players such as Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. Lampard is also linked to spending big on Kai Havertz and Jose Maria Gimenez.

It is becoming clear that even Chelsea don’t have the finances to pull off all of these deals. As the defensive options are Giminez and Rice, it is more than likely the Blues will move for the Uruguayan as he would be significantly cheaper.

So even with a lack of incoming players Rice remaining a Hammer is almost the best bit of business the club could do this summer.

Tomas Soucek is here permanently.

Even though there are no “new” players at West Ham, they have still made a massive signing already. Tomas Soucek signing his permanent deal to stay at the London Stadium is crucial to the Hammers future.

Soucek arrived on loan in January and quickly established himself as one of West Ham’s best midfielders, maybe even players. The Czech scored three goals in thirteen appearances, playing a significant role in the clubs climb to safety.

The Czech player of the year and Declan Rice can form a brilliant midfield partnership for years to come. Moyes can easily build around this combination of quality and solidity. There is still time for more reinforcements to arrive, but getting Soucek over the line was vital.

Existing players

New is not always better. Some of West Ham’s ‘stars’ horrifically underperformed last season. Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller are both capable of providing a lot more in terms of the end product.

If Moyes does put most of his focus into fixing the defence, then Anderson and Haller will be given opportunities to prove themselves. Both are capable of being match-winners and should they refind their best form; they will show why they didn’t need replacing.

West Ham also has Grady Diangana returning from his loan deal from West Brom. Diangana had a great season in the Championship and developed his game and became one of the best wingers in the league. The 22-year-old scored seven goals and assisted eight in only thirty appearances for Slaven Bilic‘s side.

If the skilful winger can replicate that form for the Hammers, then it will show that there was absolutely no need to splash £15million plus on a new attacker.

Yes, there is still work to be done to make sure the Hammers are not fighting relegation next season. There is a long time left in the transfer window for these players to be brought in and push the Hammers forward.