Michail Antonio remains the club’s only recognised striker, and often his spells on the side-line due to injury have coincided with the club’s downturns in form on the pitch. In January, the club entered talks to sign Stade Reims’ 19-year-old striker Hugo Ekitike for a reported £30m, rivalling Newcastle who were also interested in the young talent. However, despite heavy interest, neither party could agree a deal.
Current Predicament
When the window slammed shut at 11pm on January 31st, the defence was the area where the Hammers had the most cover. Despite the ACL injury suffered by veteran centre-back Angelo Ogbonna in November, West Ham still had plenty of options at the back. Kurt Zouma, Issa Diop and Craig Dawson were the club’s remaining centre-backs, while left-back Aaron Cresswell was more than comfortable operating in a more central role if needed.
Fast forward nearly three weeks to the present day, however, and things have deteriorated. Left-back Arthur Masuaku could potentially miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, meaning Cresswell can no longer operate as a makeshift centre-half as he’s the only fit left-back. Zouma’s continued selection is now divisive among some supporters following the controversial video of the defender kicking his cat and the subsequent investigation by the RSPCA into the matter.
In the midfield, Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek were a formidable partnership as defensive midfielders last season, however the latter has struggled at times this season and has appeared fatigued due to the demands of the sheer volume of games.
Club captain Mark Noble continues to be a valued member of the squad, stepping in where he is required. Winger Jared Bowen has continued his meteoric rise, with his excellent form over the last few months leaving some to raise the question of whether he deserves a place in Gareth Southgate’s Qatar 2022 World Cup squad in November.
Season Ticket Holder’s Perspective
Myles Miller, a West Ham season ticket holder, had this to say on the club’s January window and where it leaves the Hammers going into the second half of the season:
“David Moyes seems to be a manager who keeps all his signings on the down low until the transfer is fully completed. With the question of Declan Rice always being linked with a move away the need to cover his position was a priority even if he didn’t leave. With no news on any incomings, unfortunately for West Ham fans, this was an unnerving time.
“Eventually Rice stayed at the club and has still continued to perform week in week out and lead the team with his captaincy role.
“In comparison, with no new signings, and other teams bringing in new talent, the goal for West Ham I believe should be to use this season to keep moulding the team, and try and push for Champions League qualification with the minimum acceptance of Europa League qualification.
“They then should look to bring in new names in the summer and hope that they can get most of their starters to sign new deals and stay fit for the season, and maybe continue the transfer direction of signing young, talented players from the Championship like, for example, when they signed Jarrod Bowen as he now wants to push his career as far as possible. These players who are brought up from the lower leagues seem to be willing to fight for the shirt.”
