The opening of the January transfer window is now just one week away and West Ham have opened up on the situation.
It feels like a long time ago West Ham made Carlos Soler their ninth signing on deadline day of a busy summer window.
Now the January transfer window is looming large but in many ways the Hammers have regressed.
The business done by technical director Tim Steidten and the club to supply Julen Lopetegui with £155m worth of new players was heralded as the best in West Ham’s history.
Many fans and pundits declared the Hammers ‘won the summer window’.
It was Steidten’s first shot at a big West Ham overhaul.
One that was much needed after David Moyes left the club with the smallest and second oldest squad in the Premier League.
Unfortunately reality has not lived up to expectations.
West Ham have been awful all season so far with a dismal five league wins from 17 games.
Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and loan star Carlos Soler have looked like excellent additions.
As for the rest, the jury is either very much still out or has already been handed down.
The likes of Niclas Fullkrug, Guido Rodriguez and Luis Guilherme have been a very poor use of funds.
West Ham tease January transfer business
Fullkrug reportedly already wants to leave in January as does Rodriguez.
Crysencio Summerville and Jean-Clair Todibo have blown hot and cold. There is hope they will eventually prove their worth.
The Hammers are languishing in 14th place while smaller clubs like Forest, Bournemouth, Brighton and Fulham completely outperform them in terms of the football they play and their positions.
Competing for a European spot already looks out of the question for West Ham.
And Lopetegui remains under pressure with Southampton his latest “must win” game.
Pressure has also been placed on Steidten’s position from within as it’s claimed the owners are far from impressed by what they’re seeing since the big spend.
West Ham still have major issues in midfield and up front.
Especially after losing Michail Antonio following his car crash.
A number of midfielders and strikers have been linked with moves to the London Stadium of late.
Now West Ham have teased January transfer business in an honest response on the club’s finances.
Hammers News has discussed plans for the window with the top spokesman close to West Ham’s owners.
The good news is the hierarchy are not ruling out making signings.
But it’s clear additional funds – whether through player sales or new investment – will be needed.
‘Never say never’ over January window deals say Hammers
“We are up to our FFP maximum,” the senior London Stadium contact told Hammers News.
“So unless we increase income or move players there is very little room to do much.
“But never say never.”
After the big summer splurge, it’s hardly surprising cloth will need to be cut for further additions.
Even the mega rich clubs such as Newcastle and Aston Villa are having to do that, so West Ham are not immune.
A buyer for the Gold family stake – or a portion of it – has been sought since Vanessa Gold officially announced it was up for sale last October.
There have been links to US and Middle Eastern investment.
The club’s second biggest stakeholder, Daniel Kretinsky, has also suggested he could be interest in upping his holding.
Although Kretinsky, who has a net worth of around £13bn, has repeatedly ruled out ever wanting a full takeover.
New investment or player sales to drive part two of rebuild
If Kretinsky or another investor were to buy up some of the Gold shares it would pump millions into the club.
A 10 per cent share would go for between £60-70m based on Kretinsky paying £150m for 27 per cent in November 2021.
With Fullkrug and Rodriguez wanting out and Mohammed Kudus available should someone meet West Ham’s £100m valuation, that is another avenue the Hammers have of raising funds.
Man City are said to have made an official opening bid for Kudus.
Edson Alvarez is also said to be keen to leave according to reports.
The Hammers are expected to explore the loan market with options or obligations to buy built in to deals.
A striker and a powerful all-action midfielder will be the top priorities.
Lopetegui may not be the manager by the time the window rolls around.
But whatever happens Steidten will have to get the January window right if he wants to stick around beyond this season.
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