West Ham United Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategy, Needs, Areas for Improvement and Financial Capabilities

West Ham United’s Performance in the 2023/24 Season

Having finished 14^th in the 2022/23 season, West Ham United bettered their performance and managed a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Under David Moyes, they made a strong start to the season in August last year as they secured three wins in their first five games. They also had another great spell of form in November, but multiple winless spells in October, January, February, and May cost them dearly.

They also did reasonably well in the UEFA Europa League as they topped Group A with 15 points and qualified as winners ahead of SC Freiburg. West Ham made it to the quarter-final stage where they lost to eventual finalists Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate.

The Hammers fared well in the EFL Cup as they made it to the quarter-finals, including a 3-1 win against Arsenal in the round of 16. However, they faced a shock 2-1 defeat against Bristol City after a Third Round Replay in the FA Cup.

Transfer Strategy

Having won the Europa Conference League in 2022/23, West Ham United were handed a double boost. Firstly, they qualified for the Europa League despite finishing eight spots below the automatic qualification places. They also received huge bonuses for winning a European trophy.

This influx of cash was aided by their blockbuster sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a reported fee of £105 million, most of which was immediately reinvested into players. They signed three midfielders in the form of Kalvin Phillips, James Ward-Prowse, and also Mohammed Kudus. The Hammers also onboarded Edson Alvarez, who can play in central defence as well as central midfield.

Now, under new manager Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers are bound to change their playing style to a more possession-based approach that the Spaniard prefers. For this, they will need to have players more comfortable on the ball in every area.

Squad Needs & Areas of Improvement

Defenders

Although the Hammers have decent central defenders in Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, and Konstantinos Mavropanos, they sometimes look short in the fullback roles. Starting pair Vladimir Coufal (31y) and Aaron Cresswell (34) are ageing, with backup Emerson Palmieri (29) not far behind them. They need to add some young legs and could go for a budget option for a fullback.

Strikers

With 31-year-old Danny Ings and 34-year-old Michail Antonio the only strikers at the club, West Ham will need to dive into the market for a young striker who can give them around 15-18 goals in addition to this pair.

Bench Depth

West Ham will not take part in European competition next season but will look to build their squad depth in order to finish as high up the Premier League table as they can. They should ideally sign a defensive midfielder, a winger, a fullback, and one striker to add some serious depth to their existing roster.

West Ham United Transfer Window 2024: Potential Signings & Top Targets

Georges Mikautadze

With the Hammers looking to add a young and reliable striker to their ranks, Mikautadze seems like the perfect option. Having made just nine appearances for Ajax, the Georgian joined their current team FC Metz in January this year and hit the ground running with his performances.

He scored 13 goals and also provided four assists in just 20 Ligue 1 appearances. In addition, he has spearheaded his nation into the round of 16 of their first-ever major tournament with three goals and one assist in three games.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Already acclimatized to the demands of the Premier League, moving for Awoniyi seems like a no-brainer. The Nigerian also offers a physical presence in and around the box which could suit West Ham’s approach. He bagged six goals and three assists in 20 PL appearances last season as he missed major chunks of the campaign due to groin surgery. However, he will look to return to full fitness soon.

Max Kilman

The 27-year-old defender is incredibly consistent and has been largely injury-free as he enters the prime of his career. Kilman made 44 appearances for Wolves last season, including starting in each of his team’s 38 Premier League matches. A player of his caliber would elevate West Ham immensely.

Wilfried Zaha

Another player who has bags of Premier League experience under the belt, Zaha could prove to be a cut-price option for the Hammers to add depth to their squad. The Ivorian has bagged 68 goals and 29 assists in 305 PL appearances so far and is still a threat out wide.

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras’ highly-rated 18-year-old has caught West Ham’s attention and the player is also reportedly willing to move. He made 18 appearances for his team last season, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Able to play in any attacking midfield role, the Brazilian could add a much-needed spark in West Ham’s squad.

West Ham United’s Financial Capabilities

Declan Rice’s mega sale carried the Hammers safely through the last transfer window and they should have a comfortable purse to spend this time as well. While they won’t be able to break the bank for a player, budget deals seem the way to go.

Budget Overview

Last season, the Hammers were quite busy in the market as several players came and went. Twelve players departed for a total income of €170.36 million, while 11 players joined for a combined €144.56 million, giving them a net profit of €25.80 million. Having spent in the €30-40 million range consistently, they seem to be in a good place financially.

Financial Fair Play (FFP)

Last season’s profit combined with TV rights and other earnings will give West Ham United the ability to sign at least two players without making sales. For anything more, they will have to ensure departures to keep the books balanced in compliance with FFP.

Strategic Spending

The Hammers did a good thing by spending the Rice funds on multiple players to add strength in depth last time and will have to repeat the trick.

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