With West Ham now being relegated to the Championship, there is expected to be a lot of changes coming to the club over the summer, one big change has already happened in hammers fans eyes a long time coming with the change of ownership from the controversial David Sullivan to West Hams savour Daniel Kretinsky. This means the hammers dreaded summer transfer window may not be as bad as they originally had thought.
It was believed under Sullivan that there would be a mass exodus of first team players during the summer window at a discounted price. As hammers fans say he has had a record of poor transfer history while being at the East London club. However, after serious allegations were made against the former Daily Sport newspaper owner, he has since stepped down from his position of joint chairman at West Ham United, and in comes Kretinsky. It’s been reported Kretinsky intends on investing 90 million pounds into West Ham now he’s the majority shareholder. He’s doing this to ease the financial strain of relegation from topflight English football. In doing so he has told Daily Mail in an exclusive interview West Ham do not need to sell urgently. This would music to West Ham fans ears.
So, with this news could West Ham keep some players they originally thought they were unable to and could they bring in new talents to strengthen their squad more freely than previously thought.
Mathues Fernandes
Sorry hammers fans even though this means they can be more demanding and are in no rush to sell, this doesn’t mean superstars like Fernandes will stay. Fernandes is very much expected to leave the hammers in this upcoming summer transfer window with big clubs already interested and in contact with the players camp and West Ham. The main team linked with getting Fernandes’s signature is Manchester United. They have been negotiating with West Ham for a few weeks now however they don’t believe that the starting price of 85 million pounds that West Ham have set is reasonable. And despite the heavy interest from Manchester United that could potentially drastically halt the deal or even cause it to break down, especially since that is West Hams starting price for Fernandes due to them believing more big clubs are showing interest by the day. Other clubs interested in signing the Portuguese sensation are PSG, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid CF with Jose Marionho being a big fan of the midfielder.
Crysenscio Summerville- Leave
Again, look away hammers fans as Summerville is another player likely to depart in the summer window with many clubs interested. Summerville lit up the premier league after a tough start to life in East London. He struggled for regular minutes under previous manager Julen Lopetegui and then had an amazing 45 minutes under Potter in his first match in charge vs Aston Villa in the Fa cup, then unfortunately picked up an injury that saw him sidelined for 7 months. He got off to a slow start after the injury with fans questioning his final product in big moments. However, it all changed in West Hams third round FA cup tie vs QPR. West Ham fans were finally seeing the 23/24 Leeds Summerville they had been ever so desperate to see. He scored a lovely goal vs QPR and that started an amazing run of form for the Dutch winger, scoring 7 in 7 for the hammers giving them a lifeline when it all seemed over. However unfortunately it was not enough, and now the Dutch dynamo could be looking like he’s out the door in the summer window. Its clear West Ham means a lot to Summerville however a young player of his quality and ceiling is just too good to be playing a second tier of football. Summerville is expected to depart from West Ham this summer with some big clubs interested in gaining his signature. These clubs include back-to-back Champions League winners PSG, Premier League winners Arsenal, Manchester United and Italian side Roma. It’s been reported PSG are preparing an opening bid of 43 million pounds for Summerville however West Ham value the winger at nearer to 60 million especially after his red hot form in this years Fifa World Cup racking up an impressive 2 goals 1 assist in Netherlands group stage games. Although it would hurt hammers fans seeing their Dutch superstar depart, he could bring in a lot of cash to strengthen the squad in a push to return to top flight football at the first time of asking.
Jarrod Bowen- Stay
West hams captain, hero in Prague, talisman is expected to stay at West Ham this summer despite the club playing second flight football next season. It was reported Bowen made it clear he is open to staying at West Ham next season as long as they keep other key players alongside him. Its no secret West Ham means everything to the 29-year-old, and that’s being shown by his loyalty to the club by being open to staying when he knows he could be the first out the door with a big move. If West Ham managed to keep hold of their captain that could be huge for West Hams push for promotion. He would be the centre of the promotion fight leading West Ham back to where they belong. If he stays, he will be even more of a West Ham legend than he already is.
Jean Clair Todibo- leave
It is expected the French Rolls Royce centre half is expected to depart the hammers next season. It has been reported he is seeking a move away from the club and he’s not in Nuno’s plans after behind the scenes fall outs after being hooked after only 25 minutes in West Hams 3-1 defeat away from home vs Newcastle.
Mads Hermansen- stay
Top sources close to the club revealed West Ham expect a few key players to stay and in that list it included their Danish goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, he had a very difficult start at West Ham conceding 8 in his opening 2 games before being dropped to number 2 by Alphonse Areola, however similar to Summerville he had a change in form after the QPR game showing his confidence coming back keeping 6 clean sheets in 14 games, if West Ham do manage to keep him this summer that could be huge for the hammers as he would be a very good goalkeeper in the Championship.
Aaron Wan Bissaka- leave
Aaron Wan Bissaka is hailed as one of the most effective 1 on 1 right backs in the world, so it’s no surprise after West Hams relegation clubs will be sniffing around his situation, and it is expected that the 24/25 hammer of the year will depart the club. One club that has registered their interest is Everton and it is said they can gain his signature for as little as 15 million pounds.
Alphonse Areola- Leave
Another player who is expected to depart West Ham this summer is Alphons Areola with the French shot stopper unlikely to be sticking around for Championship football especially if he is a number 2 behind Hermansen. Clubs that have shown interest include, Crystal Palace, his former club Fulham and Nice the League 1 club.
Maxamillian Kilman- Leave
Kilman is reportedly no longer in Nuno’s plans even for the Championship. Life has been very difficult for Kilman recently at West Ham, so it’s believed both parties agree a fresh start is for the best. This shows another one of David Suliivans failed transfers as the Hammers bought Kilman from Wolves for 40 million pounds and are now expected to offload the 29-year-old for as little as 15 million.
Kyle Walker Peters- Stay
If West Ham can manage to keep hold of Walker Peters he could be a very effective right back next season for the hammers. He was very effective going up and down that ride flank last season even benching former hammer of the year Aaron Wan Bissaka. He has proven how effective he can be in the second tier of English football after being down with Southampton. However, after his impressive second half of the 25/26 season teams like Coventry could look to get his signature however no bids have currently come in and he is high on West Hams keep list for the 26/27 Championship season.
Taty Castellanos- Keep
Taty joined the hammers from Italian side Lazio for a 25-million-pound fee during a time when hammers fans thought all hope was lost. Even though they had heartbreak on the final day he changed West Ham in multiple ways, he brought energy, life and fight to a seemingly dead and deflated West Ham side. He quickly became a fan favourite after scoring the winning goal vs QPR to send them to the next round of the FA Cup. He scored an impressive 7 goals in 22 games in all competitions for the hammers so it may be difficult to keep him as he’s entering his prime years at 27 years of age however its been reported he is open to staying with the hammers for the promotion push and he is one of the names on the list of players West Ham expect to keep to get them back up to top flight football. If the Hammers can keep Taty alongside Bowen they could form a very dangerous attack next season in the Championship. Taty is a very technically gifted forward who could provide many goals and assists for West Ham next season if they can keep hold of him.
Pablo Felipe- stay
The man who also joined West Ham in January alongside Taty. Even though West Ham fans gave the young Brazilian Striker a lot of stick for his clunky, “Bambi on ice” type dribbling, he actually brought a lot to the table to help West Ham. Similar to Taty he brought energy, he brought immense work rate, so he maybe deserves more praise than he got from the hammers fans. However, he could potentially be one to depart the hammers next season with his agent Jorge Mendes already offering him to other clubs, one confirmed club he’s been offered to is Italian side Lazio. However, if West Ham decide they want to keep him they will likely be able to keep hold of him and his work rate, energy could bring a lot to the table for West Ham next season in the Championship.
Axel Disasi- could return
Now this may seem unlikely after it was to be known Disasi would only sign a permanent deal with the Hammers if they stayed in top flight football. Of course they didn’t and Disasi posted his heartwarming goodbye message to hammers fans on his official Instagram a few days after their relegation:
However, reports have come out over the last few days, there is belief from West Ham that they could still sign him and the 28-year-old is still open to a move. The interest hasn’t been as intense as West Ham had originally expected so a move for the Centre half could be on the cards. Disasi said he loves feeling part of something especially after he was part of the great exile of Chelsea players, so he clearly feels at home at West Ham so if there’s no other better offer for Axel he could be tempted to help get the hammers back to the Premier League. West Ham are set to have a meeting with Axel Disasi at some point this week to see if they can convince him to join. After very quickly becoming a fan favourite and proving why fans shouldn’t fall in love with a loan player, hammers fans would be over the moon if he joined on a permanent.
Thomas Soucek- stay
Soucek has become one of West Hams main men after he joined the club in the January transfer window in 2020. Hes made over 300 appearances for West Ham in all competitions and has been in the heart of their midfield doing all the dirty work while popping up with a goal here and there. He has scored 53 goals for the hammers and has been a fan favourite for years. When asked about his future Soucek said he doesn’t know and apologised understanding that’s not the answer the West Ham fans wanted to hear. However, he is also on that same list as Jarrod, Hermansen and Taty of players West Ham expect to stay. Alongside his profound love for the East London club him staying could be a very likely option. This doesn’t mean there isn’t any interest from other clubs however, as Everton are interested in signing the big Czech man and David Moyes is keen on a reunion.
Konstantinos Mavrapanos- Stay
This is also another name that was on the list of players West Ham expect to keep through the summer window. Mavrapanos’ time at West Ham has been a rollercoaster of form, by the end of the 24/25 season the West Ham fans were practically trying to force him out the club with fierce criticism after a difficult campaign. But what a turnaround it’s been for the Greek giant. Alongside Disasi he has helped transform West Hams defence from a team that leaked 2-3 goals a game to keeping clean sheets and the ball out the net. His performance earned him a well deserved Hammer of the year for the 25/26 season. His fantastic games at centre half for West Ham has however gathered interest from other clubs. It was reported a few days ago Mavrapanos could look to move away from the club however these reports have not yet been confirmed. If West Ham want to keep their Greek powerhouse and they can convince him to stay then he may well lead the backline under Nuno next season.
Ollie Scarles- Stay
The young left back is West Ham through and through. Coming thought the academy in the Scholarship program he is expected to stay with the hammers next season especially if they lose sought after El Hadji Malick Diouf.
El Hadji Malick Diouf- Leave
Diouf joined West Ham only last Summer and could already be one of the ones out of the door. He has faced some criticism about his defending at times this season but has made up for it in his attacking side of his game. He registered 5 assists in 32 premier league appearances for West Ham this season and he’s got the ability to land a cross perfectly on a striker’s head. This has of course made clubs interested in the 21 year old before it was confirmed West Ham were going down and now they are down that interest will all but intensify. A few Premier League clubs have been interested in Diouf such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton. He is the final name on the 6-man shortlist of players Wet Ham expect to keep however with growing interest from other Premier League clubs he could be a big name to generate more cash for West Ham in the summer window. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if he departed this summer.
Soungoutou Magassa- stay
Magassa is expected to stay at West Ham, a few reasons why are a cryptic Instagram post where he captioned the reel “the next one will be better!” referring to the next season at West Ham. This has led Fans to believe he may stay on in the Championship. Another reason is there was a report Frankfurt reignited their interest in the young French midfielder however those reports were dismissed, so if there’s not much interest elsewhere for Magassa we may see him in claret and blue next season.
Freddie Potts- Stay
Similar to Ollie Scarles, Potts is West ham through and through with his father Steve Potts and older brother Dan Potts both coming through the academy ranks and playing for West Ham. Potts has been in the West Ham academy since the age of 5 and has been at West Ham ever since. He did however have a very successful loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers in the 23/24 season that saw him win player of the season so he’s proved he can be a very effective players in the Championship. So I’m sure we will see him in a claret and blue shirt next season in East London.
Wilson- leave
Although seemingly already posting his goodbye message to the hammers fans on his official Instagram page, West Ham are in talks to extend the 34 year olds contract and a one year extension has been offered from West Ham with a obligation for another year if West Ham are promoted, they are currently awaiting the decision from Wilson. Its been rumoured a return to the Premier League is the former Newcastle strikers intention as he wants to reach 100 premier league goals. Newly promoted sides Hull City and Coventry are showing interest in signing Callum Wilson on a free so it may be difficult to convince him to give West Ham a year in the Championship.
Potential new signings
Abdul Fatawu – Leicester City
With the inevitable departer of Crysenscio Summerville this summer West Ham will need a new left sided winger to cause defences problems, and one name West Ham really like the look of is recently relegated Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu. He would fit the Summerville replacement role very well being a quick skill full winger himself and he could complete the 3-piece attack of Fatawu Taty and Bowen next season for the Championship. He is said to be highly rated by West Ham and with Leicester’s relegation to league 1 he could be available for a cheaper fee. Reports have been coming out in the last 24 hours Abdul Fatawu has a medical booked on Monday 27th July in USA for West Ham as rumours came out a deal had been agreed for the Ghanaian star however these have also been met with rumours that although in advanced talks a deal is more likely to be agreed after the conclusion of Ghana’s world cup journey.
Taylor Harwood Bellis – Southampton
A strong tall centre half West Ham were interested in signing last summer transfer window. If Mavrapanos does end up departing the club in the summer and Todibo expected to leave West Ham will be in desperate need of a new centre back and Harwood Bellis could fit the bill very well. He could be available for roughly 22 million pounds and could be one to watch out for in the summer, however a deal may be difficult as he has interest from Premier League clubs such as Hull City, Coventry and Crystal Palace.
Zan Vipotnik – Swansea
This would be a fantastic signing for West Ham with the 24-year-old man mountain of a centre forward. Racking up an impressive 25 goals and 3 assists last season for Swansea. He fits Nuno’s ideal build for a number 9 target man perfectly. However he could be very expensive, and a deal could be difficult to get done as he will have a lot of interest from other clubs this summer.
Pitchside post 
Leave a comment