West Ham United Transfer News: Targets, Potential Signings, Need and Outgoing | January Transfer Window 2024

As the January transfer window approaches, West Ham United manager David Moyes is actively considering ways to reinforce his squad for the upcoming challenges, particularly in the context of their potential participation in European competitions.

West Ham demonstrated their prowess in the 2021/22 season by reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League but faced defeat against eventual champions Eintracht Frankfurt. They rebounded in the following season, clinching victory in Europe’s third-tier competition.

The departure of captain Declan Rice, who was transferred to Arsenal for a British record £105 million fee in July 2023, prompted Moyes to undergo a squad overhaul in collaboration with technical director Tim Steidten.

Notable additions to the West Ham roster included Ajax duo Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus, along with Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, providing Moyes with a revamped and dynamic squad. The defensive line was reinforced with the acquisition of VfB Stuttgart center-back Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Concurrently, as part of the squad management strategy, midfielder Andy Irving was loaned back to SK Austria Klagenfurt to gain valuable playing experience. Moyes and his team are now strategizing on potential additions to further strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, ensuring West Ham is well-equipped for the challenges that lie ahead in domestic and European competitions.

What West Ham really need in the January transfer window?

David Moyes has expressed a clear desire to strengthen West Ham United’s squad by focusing on the acquisition of a new left winger, signalling a potential shift in priorities for the team. The patience with Said Benrahma, who has had limited involvement this season, seems to have worn thin, and Maxwel Cornet, despite being at the club for 18 months, has not made a significant impact.

While Lucas Paqueta has excelled playing out of position, Moyes sees the need for a specialized left winger. This addition would allow the Brazilian to return to his central role and enhance Moyes’s options for squad rotation, especially with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus capable of playing across the forward line.

Also Read: West Ham United: Players, History, Achievements and Records

Looking beyond the left-wing position, the Hammers are anticipated to eventually pursue a centre-forward. However, Moyes is reportedly cautious about the available options and is keen on bolstering the team’s goal-scoring capabilities from wide positions.

Additionally, there is a pressing need for cover for midfielder Edson Alvarez, whose absence was notably felt in a recent 5-0 defeat to Fulham. Alvarez, as the sole natural holding midfielder in Moyes’s squad, underlines the urgency for reinforcement in that role.

The depth in the central defensive positions is another concern for Moyes, with Konstantinos Mavropanos yet to be fully convinced, and Angelo Ogbonna facing the challenge of ageing. Full-back upgrades might be deferred until the summer transfer window.

In summary, Moyes is navigating the January transfer window with a focus on adding a left winger to the squad, addressing concerns about cover for key positions, and considering the overall depth and quality of the team as they aim for sustained success in both domestic and potential European competitions.

Transfer rumours that might come true in January for West Ham

Hugo Ekitike & Eddie Nketiah

West Ham United actively pursued a potential deal for Paris Saint-Germain‘s Hugo Ekitike during the previous summer transfer window, indicating the club’s interest in bolstering their attacking options. Moreover, David Moyes, the manager of West Ham, has expressed admiration for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah, a player who could potentially depart from the Emirates Stadium in the upcoming transfer window.

These reported interests highlight Moyes’s intent to reinforce the team’s attacking prowess. Both Ekitike and Nketiah bring different qualities to the table, and Moyes appears to be exploring various options to enhance West Ham’s attacking depth.

Kalvin Phillips & Filip Kostic

West Ham United are closely monitoring the situation of Kalvin Phillips, who currently plays for Manchester City. The midfielder’s status at City has attracted interest from West Ham, suggesting a potential move to strengthen the team’s midfield.

Additionally, the club has a long-standing interest in Filip Kostic, a winger from Juventus. The pursuit of Kostic indicates West Ham’s persistent efforts to secure the services of the talented player, potentially adding a dynamic element to their attacking options.

Joe Worrall

Joe Worrall emerges as a compelling option to provide cover at centre-back for West Ham United. The Englishman, who drew interest from West Ham two summers ago, is currently out of favor at Nottingham Forest.

The potential revisit of interest in Worrall suggests that West Ham is actively exploring options to reinforce their defensive lineup. The center-back position has been identified as an area where additional depth is needed, and Worrall’s availability could present an opportune solution.

Also Read: PSG leading the race for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips

Players who could leave West Ham in January transfer window

West Ham United’s recent influx of signings may have led to concerns about squad bloat, as the club now boasts a surplus of players who may struggle to secure regular playing time.

Established figures like Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell are deemed unlikely to be selected in crucial moments, while fringe players, including Ben Johnson, Thilo Kehrer, Conor Coventry, Said Benrahma, and Danny Ings, could be eyeing potential departures in the upcoming January transfer window.

In particular, Ben Johnson has been identified as potentially available for transfer during the winter market, with Southampton reportedly maintaining interest in the right-back. Journalist Darren Witcoop has revealed that Southampton considered pursuing Johnson during the summer of 2023.

Thilo Kehrer, the former Germany international, has caught the attention of Aston Villa, and West Ham is reportedly open to allowing his departure in a deal valued at £12 million.

Dean Jones, a reliable transfer insider, anticipates West Ham’s efforts to trim their squad by offloading several players to create both space and funds for potential new signings. While the club has expressed interest in signing another defender and striker, the level of player they target remains uncertain. Jones suggests that West Ham might attempt to offload four or five players in January to achieve a balanced squad composition.

As the transfer window approaches, West Ham’s strategic moves are poised to involve both departures and acquisitions, with the club aiming to optimize squad dynamics and reinforce specific positions for the challenges ahead.