David Moyes leaves West Ham this summer, and Julen Lopetegui takes over.
As things stand right now, West Ham appears to be among the Premier League teams being the most proactive during the summer transfer season.
Tim Steidten, the technical director, has been in Brazil negotiating agreements. He has already brought in rising star Luis Guilherme through the doors, and a flexible forward from Fluminense may be the next.
Next season, the Hammers under new head coach Julen Lopetegui will try to make his mark on the team, and it might field a fresh team at the London Stadium.
If the current transfer rumors are accurate, LondonWorld examines what West Ham’s starting lineup would look like in the upcoming campaign in terms of market valuations.
1. GK – Alphonse Areola, £8.5m
First choice last season and his performances were awarded by a France call-up this summer. Unlikely to change.
2. LB – Emerson, £10m
Proved he can be a real livewire at full-back last season. Could perhaps do with a little more defensive shrewdness but an important player in the side.
3. CB – Konstantinos Mavropanos, £17m
Got better and better as the campaign went on last season and has the potential to be the main man at the back next term under Lopetegui.
4. CB – Max Kilman, £27m
Several outlets link West Ham with transfer interest in Wolves defender Max Kilman. A player Lopetegui knows well, should he come in, you’d think the 27-year-old would be a starter – potentially at the expense of Kurt Zouma.
5. RB – Vladimir Coufal, £7m
Had his contract extended last year and is a consistent performer at right-back. His experience could be key in overseeing the Lopetegui transition.
6. CDM – Tomas Soucek, £25m
Didn’t hit his own lofty levels at times last season but is another whose presence could be vital in ensuring the new era begins well. The midfielder can be a matchwinner.
7. CDM – Aleix Garcia, £21m
The loan of Kalvin Phillips didn’t work out last season and Edson Alvarez is linked with an exit, making the defensive midfield role a key area of recruitment for West Ham. The Guardian link the Hammers with a move for impressive Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia.
8. LW – Wilfired Zaha, £9m
West Ham have been linked with a move for Galatasaray winger Wilfried Zaha. This week, the former Crystal Palace man was said to have snubbed the club but then fresh reports of a potential £10m deal appeared. One to watch.
9. CAM – Jhon Arias, £10m
West Ham’s Brazilian shopping is believed to be leading them towards Fluminense forward Jhon Arias next. The 26-year-old can play across the front three, which could come in handy given question marks over Lucas Paqueta’s future at the club.
10. RW – Mohammed Kudus, £42m
Did everything right to become a fan favourite after his first season at the club. There’s huge potential here and a lot of excitement to see him in action again next term.
11. ST – Jarrod Bowen, £42m
Jarrod Bowen may be a winger by trade but he’s made the central striker role his own at West Ham. 16 league goals last season was a superb return.
