As every year, the Premier League is asserting itself as the most competitive championship in the world. With ample financial resources, clubs across the Channel do not hesitate to take out their checkbooks to strengthen themselves. This summer is no exception to the rule under the English sun. Indeed, while some big names like Liverpool have had a discreet transfer window, contenders for European places have strengthened themselves considerably. Thus, the Premier League risks looking like a real crab basket next year. In the midst of this fierce competition, West Ham intends to get the better of most of its opponents.
While Aston Villa and Newcastle have strengthened further in the wake of a top 6 finish that will still be there next season, the Hammers have also had an impressive transfer window so far. Failing to a dismal ninth place last year in the Premier League, the Londoners have decided to move up a gear in order to return to Europe as quickly as possible. The winner of the Conference League in 2023 has therefore taken the decision to take out the cheque book on the transfer window. A good English tradition that is bearing fruit, but which has also been accompanied by several prodigious moves at a lower cost.
Few sales, many reinforcements for West Ham
Already boasting an impressive squad including Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen, West Ham have not lost any starters this summer. In addition to the scheduled sales of Saïd Benrahma and Thilo Kehrer as part of their loans to Lyon and Monaco, the only sale of the summer is that of Flynn Downes. A minimal sale that still allowed the London management to obtain nearly 20 million euros from Southampton. On the other side, the residents of the Olympic stadium in London have pulled out all the stops. Thus, Niclas Füllkrug (27 million euros), Crysencio Summerville (30 M€) and Max Kilman (47.5 M€) were permanently purchased by the Hammers management. Choice recruits, both the German striker, the Dutch winger and the English defender shone last season at Dortmund, Leeds and Wolverhampton respectively.
At the same time, the Irons got their hands on Jean-Clair Todibo on a loan deal with an option to buy and convinced the highly sought-after Guido Rodriguez to sign for free in London. Smart moves that look like real added value for the English squad. Finally, the 18-year-old Brazilian winger, Luis Guilherme, arrived from Palmeiras for €23 million. In short, Julen Lopetegui will have what it takes next season to bring West Ham back to Europe. In any case, his management has given him all the tools he needs to be competitive. And it’s probably not over yet, as evidenced by the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United earlier today…
