West Ham United have shown flashes of promise under Nuno Espirito Santo, but the lack of balance, athleticism and incision continues to undermine any hopes of sustained progress.
West Ham’s squad remains short in several key areas, and with the club flirting with danger, recruitment this summer must be more innovative and more targeted.
The French and Portuguese markets remain fertile hunting grounds for teams seeking value, and the Hammers should look there for solutions in three key areas.
Striker
Niclas Fullkrug was brought in to provide presence and reliability up top, but the German has failed to deliver consistently in claret and blue.
West Ham need a striker who can stretch defences, dominate physically and still provide end product. Strasbourg forward Joaquin Panichelli ticks every box.
The Argentine has nine goals in 15 Ligue 1 appearances this season, emerging as one of the division’s most effective centre-forwards.
Panichelli is big, strong and deceptively quick, with the mobility to run channels and the composure to finish chances inside the box. His all-round profile makes him a dynamic striker.
The 23-year-old reportedly has an ‘unbelievable mentality’, offers upside, resale value and a skill set perfectly suited to the Premier League’s intensity.
If West Ham are serious about upgrading their attack, Panichelli should be high on the shortlist.
Inside forward
Nuno’s 3-4-2-1 system demands inside forwards who can carry the ball, link play and contribute goals, something West Ham have lacked far too often this season.
Sofiane Diop could provide that missing spark.
The Nice attacker has six goals and two assists in 16 Ligue 1 appearances, operating with intelligence between the lines and showing a growing end product.
Diop is sharp in tight spaces, comfortable receiving on the half-turn and capable of drifting into dangerous areas.
His ability to combine and arrive late in the box would add a new dimension to West Ham’s attack.
The 25-year-old is entering his prime years and could thrive in a system that gives him freedom behind the striker. He looks like the kind of calculated gamble the Hammers should be making.
Midfield
It is no secret that West Ham lack legs, energy and vertical running power in midfield, a problem that has repeatedly left the defence exposed.
Victor Froholdt would be a statement solution.
The FC Porto midfielder boasts an exceptional engine and thrives in a box-to-box role, covering ground relentlessly while still contributing in the final third.
Froholdt has two goals and three assists in 13 league appearances, underlining his ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch.
His intensity, athleticism and tactical discipline would bring much-needed balance to West Ham’s midfield, and he looks tailor-made for the demands of the Premier League.
Froholdt is quite the prospect and would be an absolute coup for the East Londoners.