Despite being torn a new one by Manchester City on Wednesday evening, West Ham have still won six of their last nine games in the Premier League, so it’s not all doom and gloom.
The January transfer window has come and gone and many fans have expressed their concern that the club did not make the necessary investment into new signings.
However, David Gold was quick to inform everyone that West Ham were the fourth biggest spenders during the transfer window with an outlay of £18.2m bringing in both Jose Fonte and Robert Snodgrass.
However, when you factor in terminating Simone Zaza’s loan deal and selling Dimitri Payet back to Marseille for £25m, the club have made a net gain on the window but opted to hold their cash for the summer transfer window, much to the fans’ chagrin.
West Ham could improve really across the board but decided against it, so let’s play devil’s advocate. Here’s an XI of player’s West Ham were linked with but decided not to sign this past month.
Joe Hart
While Darren Randolph has been very good since replacing Adrian in goal, Hart is a clear level above Randolph in terms of quality.
Man City are ready to let him go for as little as £15m and Hart wants to continue playing in the Premier League despite being on loan with Torino. When a player this good comes available, you need to pounce.
Dominic Iorfa
Right-back has been a problem position for some time and while Byram is a promising player he is still inexperienced.
Iorfa, equally as inexperienced, would be someone to bring in and develop alongside Byram and healthy competition makes both players better.
Andrea Ranocchia
With Angelo Ogbonna out for the season, the Hammers are down to just three centre-backs having loaned out Reece Oxford.
Ranocchia is an experienced Inter Milan player and Italian international who has joined Hull on loan for the season. A player of his experience would’ve been a solid squad addition.
Martin Caceres
The free agent defender is still available and could still be signed, but West Ham decided against a move because of his wage demands.
The former Juventus and Barcelona defender can play centre-back or right-back and given out injuries and lack of depth would’ve been a great short-term option.
Patrice Evra
The experienced left-back was a target for West Ham but he ultimately decided to join Marseille.
With Aaron Cresswell noticeably struggling and Masuaku injured, Evra could’ve been a good option to have.
Morgan Sanson
Sanson is a quality ball-playing midfielder, which is something the Hammers lack from the deeper areas of the pitch.
Clement Grenier
Another midfielder who gets on the ball and likes to play expansive football.
West Ham lack depth in central midfield and another body is welcome.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
After Payet left, Sigurdsson was touted as an ideal replacement but no bid was made. A creative midfield influence and dead ball specialist, it would’ve been a great like for like move.
Jermain Defoe
West Ham had several bids turned down for Defoe. A proven goalscorer at this level and with cash to burn, the board should’ve pushed harder to get this one done.
Scott Hogan
Again, West Ham had several bids rejected but failed to meet Hogan’s asking price before he joined Aston Villa. A young, clinical finisher, given our need for a forward we should’ve taken a punt.
Saido Berahino
He’s had his issues, but Berahino in the past has scored goals at this level and perhaps this is someone we should’ve taken a flier on.