Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Daniel Hargraves

West Ham's Head of Recruitment reflects on busy first summer transfer window with eight new Hammers

West Ham United's Head of Recruitment Rob Newman has reflected on a busy first summer transfer window at the London Stadium, having been appointed last October.

The Hammers made eight signings over the summer, spending over £150million with Lucas Paqueta, Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, Maxwell Cornet, Emerson, Thilo Kehrer, Flynn Downes and Alphonse Areola all arriving on permanent deals throughout the window.

Speaking to the Hammers' official website, Newman responded to being asked about getting a buzz upon the completion of a deal: “Yes. I think two instances have brought that home to me since the start of the season. When Nayef [Aguerd] got injured at Rangers, there was not a sadder man than me because he is such a good, good character.

READ MORE: Match of the Day's Alan Shearer provides scathing verdict on VAR following disallowed West Ham goal

"He was my first signing, and I was so looking forward to him coming and playing early on in the Premier League. I’ve still got no doubt about him as well, but when he got injured it was a sickener.

"And the one when I got real butterflies in my stomach was when Gianluca [Scamacca] scored his first goal against Viborg at home. It’s just things like that, because you spent lots of time with them, their agents and their families prior to their signing, you build up a personal relationship with them and it carries on here.

"It’s quite nice that they know who I am and they know where I’ve come from, and I feel as though they are thankful for what I did, and the collaborative for actually getting them here as well.

"So, it’s really important that we keep the relationships going, but definitely the ones I’ve brought in, I’ve got a real strong relationship with.”

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.