What would be the worst window possible for West Ham?

The summer transfer window is already proving to be a tough one for West Ham as there has been a severe lack of movement.

David Moyes’ side has only confirmed two pieces of business so far, Tomas Soucek’s permanent deal and Abian Ajeti’s departure to Celtic. The Czech midfielder was expected to sign once the club confirmed their Premier League status. West Ham’s fate seems to be on a knife-edge at the moment, and if it is not balanced, the club could be facing a tough season in 2020/21.

With other clubs confirming their transfers and competitors making moves for exciting targets, West Ham could be left behind due to their lack of urgency in the market. There are worries that this could quickly become the Hammers worst transfer window for a while.

Declan Rice is sold without reinforcements.

Despite the signing of Soucek, any positivity surrounding him could wither away if Declan Rice is sold and not properly replaced. Rice has become one of the Hammers most important players in the last two seasons and has formed a brilliant partnership with the Czech midfielder.

It is not inconceivable that Rice will be sold this summer due to the quality he has shown. Chelsea is rumoured to be the favourites to sign him, and if they stump up the required fee, Rice would most likely leave to further his career.

This would be no surprise, and there would be no animosity towards the 21-year-old. The main issue would be replacing him with someone of equal quality. Should Rice be sold, the club would do well to sign promising midfielder Ibrahim Sangare from Toulouse or someone with similar potential and current ability.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Jeff Hendrick of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on March 7, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

If this is the worst-case, however, the club fails to reinvest the money brought in from Rice’s sale and replace him with a free agent. Matty Longstaff and Jeff Hendricks are currently available and if signed as a Rice replacement, would be an awful business. Both are decent players and could contribute to the squad, but should not be considered to replace Rice.

The defence is not fixed.

West Ham’s main issue last season was in defence as they shipped sixty-two goals in the Premier League. The Hammers do have an ability to score, but if top targets are not acquired to support the defence, it will be another long season.

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The worst-case scenario here is Issa Diop is sold to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham and replaced with an inferior defender. The same deal really as Rice, if Diop is sold and someone like Burnley’s James Tarkowski or Brighton and Hove Albion’s Lewis Dunk was brought in to replace him it would be seen as a decent business.

Looking at who the club are currently linked with at centre-back this improvement is unlikely. West Ham is reportedly looking at John Stones, Phil Jones and Shane Duffy. All three are below Diop’s level and would weaken the defence. Stones and Jones would cost the club a lot in wages as both are currently high-earners.

Duffy seems like the most likely, but that does not inspire much hope as he is currently the fourth choice at the Seagulls. What else would worsen the Hammer’s defence would be another year of not investing in full-backs.

There is an argument on paper to suggest Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell are experienced left-backs and are fine. Those who have watched them play, however, disagree. It is crucial that at least one is sold and replaced by Brentford’s Rico Henry or QPR’s Ryan Manning.

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If these scenarios occur and some other free agents are signed, and the team struggles again. It will surely push Hammers’ fans over the edge meaning there will be a lot more people joining the “GSB out” marches.

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