David Moyes is planning a significant overhaul this summer as the West Ham manager looks to add to the squad ahead of a return to European competition.
The hectic schedule amassed during last season’s run to the Europa League semi-finals caught up with a group of players who saw only Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma arrive to bolster Moyes’ genuine first-team options, with Nikola Vlasic serving as a replacement for Jesse Lingard, while Alphonse Areola and Alex Kral acted as back-ups.
Having come so close to continental glory last time out, the Europa Conference League offers an even better chance of success.
Moyes has already talked of the importance of the competition and some wise investments could help his team balance those commitments all while continuing to challenge in the upper echelons of the Premier League.
Here’s what a perfect window would look like for West Ham...
A new striker
Michail Antonio’s importance might go beyond purely scoring goals but the fact the 32-year-old did not register a single one in the Premier League between January and May cannot be ignored.
Andriy Yarmolenko has left the club, leaving Jarrod Bowen as Moyes’ most consistent goal threat. While the England international continues to prove prolific, even he needs help.
With Sebastien Haller yet to be replaced, the need to strengthen is obvious.
Nayef Aguerd
Signing a left-footed central defender is another priority as the West Ham boss looks to develop more balance in his back-line.
Highly regarded for to his dominant aerial presence, talks are progressing over a potential move for the 26-year-old, earmarked as having the profile to fit the bill for Moyes.
Injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma threatened to derail West Ham’s season last time out and the Morocco international would bolster their options.
Left-back cover
To reduce Aaron Cresswell’s West Ham career to two red cards in crucial Europa League games would be doing the defender a disservice after a solid seven-year stint.
Still, the dismissals did highlight the need to strengthen in that area, particularly with Arthur Masuaku proving unconvincing.
Moyes is eager to bring in a fresh option on that front as part of a big summer in east London.
