West Ham United are planning a major squad overhaul this summer to hand incoming manager Julen Lopetegui a head start, and there are a couple of options we think the club should consider.
After months of uncertainty and speculation, the board finally confirmed that they will part ways with legendary manager David Moyes at the end of the season, closing his seven-year chapter in East London.
Regardless of how the Scotsman leaves the club, it has been a hugely successful second stint for Moyes at London Stadium, and he will be remembered as a Hammers legend.
The 61-year-old transformed the club into regular contenders for Europe, and one of our continental adventures ended with a Europa Conference League title that ended our 43-year wait for silverware.
He will get a chance to say a proper farewell to the Hammers faithful when we host Luton Town, with Lopetegui waiting in the wings to succeed the Scotsman in the dugout next season.
The Spaniard has agreed to take over at London Stadium, although a significant chunk of the West Ham supporters are still on the fence over his appointment, with many questioning whether he’s an upgrade on Moyes.
Lopetegui is expected to weigh in on our transfer market activities this summer, but technical director Tim Steidten will take the lead on our squad overhaul.
There are a number of departments that are in desperate need of reinforcements, and we’ve highlighted three players we must consider ahead of a crucial summer window.
Vangelis Pavlidis
Vangelis Pavlidis has been repeatedly linked with a move away from AZ Alkmaar, with the Premier League sounded out as a potential landing spot.
The 25-year-old has been in sensational form for the Dutch side this season, leading the Eredivisie goalscoring chart with 28 goals from 32 league appearances.
Pavlidis’ goals have been crucial to AZ’s European ambitions, firing his side to fourth place in the Eredivisie, two points adrift of the Champions League qualification spot.
In addition to his lethal finishing, Pavlidis has also created nine big chances, showcasing his ability to impact the game as a playmaker, even though he only has two assists to show for it.
Nevertheless, the Greece international could be the ideal replacement for Michail Antonio, who is expected to follow Moyes through the London Stadium exit when his contract runs out this summer.
Tosin Adarabioyo
West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet in the league since a goalless draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in January.
That was 16 Premier League games ago, so it’s fair to say we’re in dire need of defensive reinforcement to revamp a rapidly ageing backline and Tosin Adarabioyo checks all the boxes.
As we approach the end of the season, Adarabioyo is increasingly becoming a hot commodity, with the Englishman set to be a free agent this summer.
After turning down several contract proposals from Fulham, the Cottagers are braced for his departure, and the towering centre-half has been linked with a move to West Ham.
Adarabioyo has been a consistent performer for Fulham this season, keeping six clean sheets in 20 Premier League appearances.
He has contributed to Fulham’s push for a top-half finish with a couple of goals. But his defensive metrics have been particularly eye-catching, forcing potential European suitors to pay attention.
In addition to keeping six clean sheets, the 26-year-old averages 1.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 2.2 ball recoveries, and four clearances per 90 minutes.
His intimidating 6ft4 frame makes him near-unbeatable in aerial duels, boasting an impressive 62% success rate in such battles, although his ground duel metric stands at a more modest 53%.
Signing a player of Adarabioyo’s calibre would be a coup for West Ham. But we must be proactive in the race for his signature, considering Tottenham Hotspur have already seen an opening proposal turned down.
Tiago Santos
With Vladimir Coufal and Ben Johnson facing uncertain futures at London Stadium, Tiago Santos could be an ideal replacement for both players.
The Portugal under-23 right-back has been a revelation for Lille this season, playing a crucial role in the club’s push for a Champion League berth.
The 21-year-old boasts an impressive 12 clean sheets in 28 Ligue 1 games, averaging 2.2 tackles, ball recoveries, and 1.2 clearances per match.
His 5ft7 frame makes him relatively easy to beat in the air, evidenced by his paltry 36% success rate. But what he lacks in height, he makes up for in 1v1 duels, winning an impressive 63% of his ground duels.
Santos has also bagged a goal and two assists while creating four big chances. He’d be a decent addition to our backline and a statement of intent ahead of a new era.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com