Football Season Guide

West Ham United

In


Sebastien Haller (att) Eintracht Frankfurt; Pablo Fornals (mid) Villarreal; Roberto (gk) Espanyol; David Martin (gk) Millwall;

Out


Marko Arnautovic (r) (att) Shanghai SIPG; Lucas Perez (sp) (att) Alaves; Edmilson Fernandes (sp) (mid) Mainz 05; Pedro Obiang (sp) (mid) Sassuolo; Samir Nasri (sp) (mid) Anderlecht; Adrian (sp) (gk) released; Andy Carroll (sp) (att) released; Sam Byram (def) Norwich; Jordan Hugill (att) QPR – on loan; Reece Oxford (def) Hertha Berlin;

West Ham made a modest improvement in Pellegrini’s first season in charge, and despite collecting more points and improving their home form dramatically in 2018/19, the Hammers were still nowhere near European qualification. With the money invested over the last 2 years and the additional signings of playmaker Fornals and prolific goalscorer Haller this transfer window, West Ham really need to challenge for Europe this term. Haller’s arrival will likely see change in the approach up front as he will serve as a target man, and livewires Fornals, Anderson and Lanzini are likely to be making lots of runs in pockets of space around him. Pellegrini hopes to have Wilshere fit this campaign, with Yarmolenko another player hardly used last year after his injury, but now hoping to be able to help much more. Centre-back Reid also missed the entire last season injured, but he is back now and providing alternative for the back line. With very good depth to the squad, a vastly experienced manager, and fans finally on board with their unconditional support, West Ham are a team to watch this season. Being much more competitive against the Big 6 is likely to be the main priority; if this is achieved the Hammers could be a major factor in the league.

Target


Top 6 finish is the target, and the Hammers have all the tools to feel they can achieve that; whether they will have the consistency too is yet to be seen.